Document Everything First
Before writing to your landlord
Take Photos & Videos
Ensure your phone's date stamp is on. Photograph all affected areas from multiple angles.
Keep a Diary
Note dates when issues appeared, worsened, or affected your health.
- Photograph mould, damp patches, leaks, and any damage
- Record videos showing the extent of problems
- Keep receipts for damaged belongings
- Save any medical records if health affected
Write a Formal Letter
Use our free template below
Housing Disrepair Complaint Letter Template
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, Postcode] [Your Email] [Today's Date] [Landlord Name / Housing Association Name] [Landlord Address] [City, Postcode] Dear Sir/Madam, RE: FORMAL REPORT OF HOUSING DISREPAIR AT [YOUR ADDRESS] I am writing to formally report housing disrepair issues at the above property, where I am your tenant under tenancy agreement dated [DATE]. I am reporting the following issues that require urgent repair: 1. [Describe issue 1 - e.g., "Black mould growth in the bedroom, covering approximately 2 square metres of the wall"] 2. [Describe issue 2 - e.g., "Persistent condensation on all windows causing water damage to window frames"] 3. [Describe issue 3 - e.g., "Heating system not working properly, leaving the property cold"] These issues are affecting my [health/living conditions/belongings] and I have attached photographs as evidence dated [DATE]. Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, you have a legal obligation to keep the structure and exterior of the property in repair, and to maintain installations for water, gas, electricity, and heating. I am also aware of my rights under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. For social housing tenants: Under Awaab's Law, you are required to investigate this report within [10 working days for damp/mould / 24 hours for emergency hazards] and begin repairs within the statutory timeframe. I request that you: 1. Acknowledge receipt of this letter within 7 days 2. Arrange an inspection of the property within 14 days 3. Carry out necessary repairs within a reasonable timeframe If I do not receive a satisfactory response, I will have no alternative but to seek legal advice and may pursue a formal housing disrepair claim. Please confirm receipt of this letter and your proposed timeline for addressing these issues. Yours faithfully, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name] Enclosures: - Photographs of disrepair (dated) - [Any previous correspondence]
Tip: Customise the template with your specific details. Be factual and avoid emotional language.
Send and Keep Records
Create a paper trail
- Send by email AND recorded delivery post for proof
- Keep copies of everything you send
- Screenshot email confirmations
- Save the Royal Mail tracking receipt
Follow Up If No Response
Escalate if ignored
After 7 days: Send a follow-up
Reference your original letter and request acknowledgment.
After 14 days: Escalate
Contact Environmental Health at your local council. They can inspect and issue an improvement notice.
After 21 days: Seek legal advice
If still no action, contact us for a free case assessment. You likely have grounds for a formal claim.
Landlord Still Not Responding?
If you've reported the issue and your landlord is ignoring you, we can help. Our legal team will send a formal Pre-Action Protocol letter that landlords take seriously.
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