Being Ignored Can Leave You Unsure What to Do Next
If your landlord is ignoring repairs, it can leave you unsure what to do next. You report a repair. You wait. You follow it up.
When repairs are repeatedly delayed or ignored, it can be difficult to know whether you should keep chasing your landlord, make a formal complaint or ask someone else for help.
The important thing is to keep a clear record of what is happening and understand the steps available to you.
You do not have to work it all out on your own.
What Should You Do If Repairs Are Being Ignored?
1. Keep a Record
Write down when you first reported the repair and every time you have followed it up. Keep repair reference numbers, emails and messages.
2. Take Photos and Videos
Photograph the problem clearly and continue taking photos if it gets worse. Where possible, keep the original files with the dates.
3. Report It in Writing
If you have only reported the problem by telephone, follow it up by email, an online repair portal or another written method.
4. Keep Following Up
If the repair continues to be delayed or ignored, you may want to use your landlord’s formal complaints process.
When Should You Make a Formal Complaint?
A formal complaint may be worth considering if you have reported a repair but the problem continues, appointments are repeatedly cancelled, you are not receiving clear updates or you keep being told the issue will be dealt with but nothing changes.
Making a complaint creates a clearer written record of your concerns and gives your landlord the opportunity to investigate what has gone wrong.
When writing your complaint, try to include:
• The date you first reported the repair
• Any repair or reference numbers you have
• How many times you have followed the problem up
• Photos or videos showing the issue
• How the problem is affecting you or your household
• What you would like your landlord to do
You do not need to use complicated legal language. Explain clearly what has happened, how long you have been waiting and what you would like to happen next.