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 Tenancy deposit scheme (DPS, mydeposits, TDS) (gov.uk) is the body for tenancy disputes in the UK, cheap or free and without a lawyer. Shelter (0808 800 4444) advises on rent reduction and repair-and-deduct. For dangers to health — no heating, no water, electrical hazards — Council Environmental Health / Housing Standards (gov.uk) can inspect and order the landlord to act.

Call firstTenancy deposit scheme (DPS, mydeposits, TDS)

Report toShelter

If that failsCouncil Environmental Health / Housing Standards

🗣️ 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 Tenancy deposit scheme (DPS, mydeposits, TDS)."

🪜 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? Council Environmental Health / Housing StandardsThe municipal inspection can order works and fine a landlord who leaves a home unfit.
Go to Tenancy deposit scheme (DPS, mydeposits, TDS)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

Tenancy deposit scheme (DPS, mydeposits, TDS)Free dispute resolution for protected depositsWhen the landlord will not agree the return🔗 www.gov.uk/tenancy-deposit-protection

ShelterFree housing adviceBefore you write, and if the deposit was never protected📞 0808 800 4444 🔗 www.shelter.org.uk

Council Environmental Health / Housing StandardsUnfit housing, damp and mould, pests, noise, food hygieneWhen health is at risk at home🔗 www.gov.uk/report-problem-to-council

Your local councilNoise, waste, roads, housing standards, licensing, lost propertyFor anything the council handles🔗 www.gov.uk/find-local-council

Civil Legal Advice / Citizens Advice / Law CentresLegal aid on low income, free adviceWhen you cannot afford a solicitor📞 0345 345 4 345 🔗 www.gov.uk/civil-legal-advice

❓ 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 Shelter 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. Shelter 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 Shelter.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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“landlord refuses repairs the UK”
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🔧 My landlord ignores my repair request — who do I contact?