When to Contact Your Council About Housing Disrepair

If you rent a home in England and your property is in poor condition, knowing when to contact your council about housing disrepair is essential. As a renter, you have legal rights to live in a safe and well-maintained property. This guide explains the circumstances when you should get your local council involved, the process of making a complaint, and your legal options if repairs are not made.

Understanding Disrepair and Your Rights as a Renter

Landlords are legally responsible for most repairs in rented homes, including issues with the structure, roof, walls, heating, gas appliances, water, and sanitation. The main law protecting renters' rights is the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985^[1], and additional standards are set by the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018^[2].

Typical examples of disrepair that might require council intervention include:

• No heating or hot water, especially in winter
• Serious damp or mould
• Unsafe electrics or gas
• Leaking pipes, roofs, or ceilings causing damage
• Pest infestations if caused by structural issues

When Should You Contact the Council?

You should generally contact your council if:

• Your landlord has not carried out repairs after you’ve reported them (give them a reasonable time, usually 14 days, to respond)
• The disrepair is affecting your health, safety, or the safety of others living in the property
• The problem is urgent and your landlord isn't responding (for example, serious leaks, broken heating in winter, unsafe wiring)

How Your Council Can Help

Your local council’s Environmental Health team can inspect your property using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). If hazards are found, they can serve notice on your landlord to compel repairs. Councils also have powers under the Housing Act 2004 to take enforcement action in severe cases.

How to Report Disrepair to Your Council

Take the following practical steps if you need to involve the local authority:

• Gather evidence: Take dated photos and keep copies of correspondence with your landlord or letting agent.
• Contact your council’s Environmental Health team: You can usually find the right department via Find your local council.
• Complete the council's complaint or housing disrepair form: Many councils provide an online form or a downloadable PDF. For example, some councils use an “Environmental Health Private Rented Housing Complaint” form.

Example: Using the Environmental Health Complaint Form

• Name: Environmental Health Private Rented Housing Complaint
• When to use: If your landlord has not fixed serious disrepair or safety hazards.
• How to submit: Complete the form on your council’s website (find yours here), or contact by phone/email if you need support.

After assessing your complaint, the council may conduct an inspection under the HHSRS guidance and decide whether to take enforcement action.

If Repairs Are Still Not Done: Tribunals and Further Action

If your landlord does not comply after council involvement, you may seek further help from the official tribunal for housing issues in England: the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber – Residential Property)^[3]. This tribunal manages disputes about repairs, rent repayment orders, and property conditions. You may also consider pursuing action in the county court if your home remains unfit for human habitation.

Key advice: Always act swiftly when disrepair risks your health or safety. Councils are there to help ensure rental homes meet basic legal standards.

FAQ: Council Involvement and Disrepair in England

1. What happens after I report my landlord to the council?
   The council may contact your landlord and arrange an inspection. If hazards are found, the landlord can be served a notice to carry out repairs. Failure to comply with council action can lead to prosecution or emergency repairs completed by the council at the landlord’s expense.
2. Can I be evicted for complaining to the council about disrepair?
   Protection is available under “retaliatory eviction” rules in the Deregulation Act 2015. Landlords cannot legally evict you for asking for repairs or complaining to the council if the council then serves a notice about disrepair.
3. How long does the council take to respond to housing complaints?
   Response times vary, but councils often reply within 5–10 working days for an initial assessment. Serious or urgent hazards may get a faster response.
4. What if my landlord fixes the problem after I contact the council?
   If repairs are completed to a satisfactory standard, the council will usually close the case after confirming the work is done.
5. Do I have to tell my landlord before contacting the council?
   Yes, you should always notify your landlord in writing about the issue and give them a reasonable opportunity to fix it before involving the council.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Repairs in privately rented homes (GOV.UK)
• HHSRS Guidance for tenants and landlords
• Shelter England: What to do if your landlord won't do repairs
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber – Residential Property)
• Find your local council and make a complaint directly

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1. Landlord and Tenant Act 1985: Legal duties regarding repairs and maintenance
2. Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018: Tenant rights to safe and fit homes
3. First-tier Tribunal – Residential Property: Disputes and appeals about property issues

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