My landlord ignores my repair request — who do I contact?

Direct answer

The landlord must keep the home in usable condition: heating, water, electricity, a roof that does not leak. Write a dated repair request with a deadline (two weeks is normal, 24 hours for no heating in winter) — the letter is what every next step is built on. Then Julgado de Paz (conselhodosjulgadosdepaz.com.pt) is the body for tenancy disputes in Portugal, cheap or free and without a lawyer. DECO PROteste (deco.proteste.pt) advises on rent reduction and repair-and-deduct. For dangers to health — no heating, no water, electrical hazards — Delegado de Saúde / Câmara — vistoria de salubridade (sns.gov.pt) can inspect and order the landlord to act.

Call firstJulgado de Paz

Report toDECO PROteste

If that failsDelegado de Saúde / Câmara — vistoria de salubridade

🗣️ What to say

"Since [date] the [heating / boiler / roof / …] at [address] is [defect]. I asked you on [date] with no result. Please repair it by [deadline]. If not, I will reduce the rent proportionally from [date] and refer the matter to Julgado de Paz."

🪜 Step by step

Write, dated, with photosEmail or letter with the defect, the date it started, photos and a deadline. Keep proof of sending.
Know the remediesRent reduction from the day of the report in most countries; repair yourself and deduct after a written warning; the tenancy board for anything bigger.
Health or safety at risk? Delegado de Saúde / Câmara — vistoria de salubridadeThe municipal inspection can order works and fine a landlord who leaves a home unfit.
Go to Julgado de PazFree or low-fee, no lawyer. Bring the letters and photos. Decisions bind the landlord.
Do not stop paying rent outrightReduce proportionally and say why in writing; a full stop can become grounds for eviction.

📇 All contacts

Julgado de PazMediation and judgment up to €15,000, no lawyer, low feesWhen the formal notice did not work🔗 www.conselhodosjulgadosdepaz.com.pt

DECO PROtesteLegal advice for membersBefore you write, on deductions and deadlines🔗 www.deco.proteste.pt

Delegado de Saúde / Câmara — vistoria de salubridadeUnhealthy housing, damp, pests, noiseWhen health is at risk at home🔗 www.sns.gov.pt

Câmara Municipal / Junta de FreguesiaNuisances, roads, waste, certificates, lost propertyFor anything the municipality handles🔗 www.anmp.pt

Segurança Social — apoio judiciário / Ordem dos AdvogadosFree lawyer below the income thresholdWhen you cannot afford a lawyer🔗 www.seg-social.pt/protecao-juridica

❓ Frequently asked

Can I fix it and deduct the cost?

In most countries yes, after a written notice with a reasonable deadline, for necessary repairs, at a reasonable price. Keep the invoices. Check with DECO PROteste first for your country's rule.

How much rent reduction?

Proportional to the loss of use: a broken boiler in winter can justify 20–50 %, a dripping tap almost nothing. DECO PROteste has tables from past decisions.

The landlord threatens to evict me for complaining

Retaliatory eviction is not a valid ground anywhere in the EU. Keep everything in writing and tell DECO PROteste.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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🔧 My landlord ignores my repair request — who do I contact?