Complaint To Landlord For Repairs
When your landlord ignores repair requests, a written complaint creates a record you can rely on later. This template states the problem, the date it was first reported, and a clear deadline for action. Use it before escalating to a housing authority.
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When and how to use this letter
Send this letter after you have already reported the repair at least once by phone, message, or in person, so you can state the original reporting date. A written complaint matters because verbal requests are hard to prove if a dispute ever reaches a housing tribunal or court.
Send it by a traceable method: email with a read receipt, a messaging app where you can screenshot the delivery ticks, or registered post if your landlord ignores digital communication. Keep a copy of the letter and every earlier message about the repair, including photos or videos of the damage with dates.
Keep the tone firm but polite. Naming a specific deadline, such as fourteen days, is more effective than an open-ended request because it shows you are tracking the delay. Avoid threats you cannot follow through on; a calm statement that you may arrange the repair yourself or contact the housing authority is enough.
What happens next: most landlords respond once a complaint is in writing, because it signals you are documenting the issue. If there is no response after your deadline, follow up once in writing, then contact your local tenant advisory body or housing authority with the full paper trail. Check your tenancy agreement first, since it defines exactly which repairs belong to the landlord.
Frequently asked questions
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