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 Centar za mirenje HGK (hgk.hr) is the body for tenancy disputes in Croatia, cheap or free and without a lawyer. Savjetovališta za zaštitu potrošača (szp.hr) advises on rent reduction and repair-and-deduct. For dangers to health — no heating, no water, electrical hazards — Sanitarna inspekcija (Državni inspektorat) / Zavod za javno zdravstvo (dirh.gov.hr) can inspect and order the landlord to act.

Call firstCentar za mirenje HGK

Report toSavjetovališta za zaštitu potrošača

If that failsSanitarna inspekcija (Državni inspektorat) / Zavod za javno zdravstvo

🗣️ 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 Centar za mirenje HGK."

🪜 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? Sanitarna inspekcija (Državni inspektorat) / Zavod za javno zdravstvoThe municipal inspection can order works and fine a landlord who leaves a home unfit.
Go to Centar za mirenje HGKFree 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

Centar za mirenje HGKMediation in property disputes, no lawyerWhen the demand did not work🔗 www.hgk.hr/centar-za-mirenje

Savjetovališta za zaštitu potrošačaFree advice, template lettersBefore you write, on deductions and deadlines🔗 www.szp.hr

Sanitarna inspekcija (Državni inspektorat) / Zavod za javno zdravstvoUnhealthy housing, mould, pests, noiseWhen health is at risk at home🔗 dirh.gov.hr

Grad / općina — komunalno redarstvoNuisances, roads, waste, lost propertyFor anything the municipality handles🔗 www.udruga-gradova.hr

Besplatna pravna pomoć (upravni odjel županije) / pravne klinikePrimary legal aid, lawyer for people of limited meansWhen you cannot afford a lawyer🔗 pravosudje.gov.hr/besplatna-pravna-pomoc/6184

❓ 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 Savjetovališta za zaštitu potrošača 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. Savjetovališta za zaštitu potrošača 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 Savjetovališta za zaštitu potrošača.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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“landlord refuses repairs Croatia”
“rent reduction repairs not done”
“tenant rights repairs Croatia”
“no heating landlord what to do”
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🔧 My landlord ignores my repair request — who do I contact?