Your rights as a tenant
Housing disrepair guidance for tenants in England and Wales.
Start with where your rented home is. Rules and complaint routes can differ.
Where is your rented home?
Before you take your next step
These practical steps can help whatever route you choose.
- Report the problem in writing
- A written record helps show what you told your landlord and when.
- Save photographs and correspondence
- Keep photos, emails, appointment details and responses together.
- Keep your agreement together
- Your tenancy agreement or occupation contract and related documents can help explain your rights and options.
Understand the route you are using
A complaint about a landlord’s service and a legal claim are different processes.
Complaint
A complaint asks your landlord to put things right with their service. Depending on your landlord and where you live, you may also be able to complain to the relevant ombudsman.
Legal claim
A legal claim is a separate process that may involve the courts. Get advice about your circumstances, the process and any costs before deciding how to proceed.
Free information and advice
Find independent information about your rights and options.
The right complaint route depends on your landlord and where you live.
Free ombudsman services
England
The Housing Ombudsman can help with complaints about landlords in its scheme.
Check Housing Ombudsman coverageWales
The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales can consider council and housing association complaints. It does not handle private-landlord complaints.
Read about the Wales complaint routeAfter following your landlord’s complaints process, these ombudsman services may be able to help for free. Their eligibility rules and remit apply.
Still not sure what to do?
Speak to our team about your situation and your options.
You do not have to use a claims management company
Tenant Help Ltd is a claims management company. Our housing disrepair referral service is free to you. We receive a referral fee from the solicitor when we introduce a case to them.
If your housing disrepair claim is successful, the solicitor's success fee is 25% of compensation recovered, plus VAT (30% including VAT at the current 20% VAT rate). This is the success fee only. Other deductions, insurance premiums or cancellation charges may apply under the solicitor's agreement.
You can complain to your landlord yourself for free. After following your landlord's complaints process, you may be able to use the Housing Ombudsman in England or the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales yourself for free. Their eligibility rules and remit apply.
Read about costs and your choices