How do I complain about my council or housing association landlord?Beta*

Use the landlord's own complaints process first. Under the Housing Ombudsman's Complaint Handling Code it has two stages: the landlord should reply within 10 working days at stage 1, and within 20 working days at stage 2. Put your complaint in writing, say what you want done, and keep copies. If you are still unhappy at the end of stage 2, or the landlord won't respond, you can take it to the Housing Ombudsman for free. It can order repairs, apologies and compensation. In 2025-26 it upheld 62% of the complaints it decided and ordered £4.8 million in compensation. The Housing Ombudsman covers council and housing association tenants, not private renters.

Sources: Housing Ombudsman: Annual Complaints Review 2025-26Housing Ombudsman: Complaint Handling Code