Disrepair in private rented properties
If you rent from the private sector and your home is in poor condition, you must first report your concerns in writing to your landlord or managing agent. It's helpful to keep a record of all contacts with your landlord.
Shelter has example wording of how to report repairs to a private landlord.
If you are unable to reach an agreement with your landlord or managing agent, you can report disrepair to our Housing Standards Team. You will be required to provide a contact telephone number, as well as the name and address of your landlord/letting agent.
What happens after you report disrepair
We'll first contact your landlord to request an inspection and repairs. If they don't respond or act, a housing officer will inspect your property under Section 4 of the Housing Act 2004, conducting a full Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS) assessment.
We'll then decide on the appropriate action, from informal advice to serving a legal notice, and will inform you.
If you rent from a Housing Association
If you rent your property from a Housing Association and you have reported disrepair to them without a resolution, you should first follow their internal formal complaints procedure. If necessary, make a complaint to the Housing Ombudsman before making contact with the Council’s Housing Standards Team.
We will not investigate reports of disrepair where this procedure has not been followed, unless there is an imminent risk to health and safety.