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 Awtorità tad-Djar — Kirjiet Privati (2299 1000) is the body for tenancy disputes in Malta, cheap or free and without a lawyer. MCCAA — parir (2395 2000) advises on rent reduction and repair-and-deduct. For dangers to health — no heating, no water, electrical hazards — Direttorat għas-Saħħa Ambjentali / Awtorità tad-Djar (2133 7333) can inspect and order the landlord to act.

Call firstAwtorità tad-Djar — Kirjiet Privati

Report toMCCAA — parir

If that failsDirettorat għas-Saħħa Ambjentali / Awtorità tad-Djar

🗣️ 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 Awtorità tad-Djar — Kirjiet Privati."

🪜 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? Direttorat għas-Saħħa Ambjentali / Awtorità tad-DjarThe municipal inspection can order works and fine a landlord who leaves a home unfit.
Go to Awtorità tad-Djar — Kirjiet PrivatiFree 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

Awtorità tad-Djar — Kirjiet PrivatiRental registration, mediation and adjudication on depositsWhen the demand did not work📞 2299 1000 🔗 housingauthority.gov.mt/private-residential-leases

MCCAA — parirFree advice on tenant rights, template lettersBefore you write, on deductions and deadlines📞 2395 2000 🔗 mccaa.org.mt

Direttorat għas-Saħħa Ambjentali / Awtorità tad-DjarUnfit housing, mould, pests, noiseWhen health is at risk at home📞 2133 7333 🔗 deputyprimeminister.gov.mt/en/environmental/Pages/home.aspx

Kunsill Lokali / LESANuisances, roads, waste, lost propertyFor anything the council handles📞 2200 2300 🔗 localgovernment.gov.mt

Aġenzija għal Għajnuna LegaliFree lawyer below the income thresholdWhen you cannot afford a lawyer📞 2567 4200 🔗 legalaidmalta.gov.mt

❓ 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 MCCAA — parir 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. MCCAA — parir 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 MCCAA — parir.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

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