My landlord ignores my repair request — who do I contact?
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 Комисия за защита на потребителите (КЗП) (0700 111 22) is the body for tenancy disputes in Bulgaria, cheap or free and without a lawyer. Асоциация „Активни потребители“ (aktivnipotrebiteli.bg) advises on rent reduction and repair-and-deduct. For dangers to health — no heating, no water, electrical hazards — РЗИ — Регионална здравна инспекция (mh.government.bg) can inspect and order the landlord to act.
🗣️ 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 Комисия за защита на потребителите (КЗП)."
🪜 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? РЗИ — Регионална здравна инспекцияThe municipal inspection can order works and fine a landlord who leaves a home unfit.
- Go to Комисия за защита на потребителите (КЗП)Free 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
❓ 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 Асоциация „Активни потребители“ 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. Асоциация „Активни потребители“ 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 Асоциация „Активни потребители“.
📎 Sources
- Комисия за защита на потребителите (КЗП) →
- Асоциация „Активни потребители“ →
- РЗИ — Регионална здравна инспекция →
- Община — инспекторат / ГРАО →
- Национално бюро за правна помощ — гореща линия 0700 18 250 →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “landlord refuses repairs Bulgaria”
- “rent reduction repairs not done”
- “tenant rights repairs Bulgaria”
- “no heating landlord what to do”
- “report unfit housing”
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