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Social housing issue? Know how to complain

Published on 9 Sept 2025

The government has launched its ‘Make things right’ campaign to ensure those living with issues in their social housing know their rights, know how to complain, and feel empowered that their voice will be heard. Read on to find out more...

 

Know your rights, know how to complain

Everyone deserves a home that is safe, secure, and well maintained. If you live in social housing, your landlord is responsible for fixing issues, including damp and mould, leaks, broken locks or changes you need to your home if you’re disabled. They can also help with anti-social behaviour, like noisy neighbours.

A photo of young man stressed in the morning stock photo 18 08 2022

Know the steps to get an issue fixed:

Step 1

Report it to your landlord. Then, if it is not fixed...

Step 2

Complain through your landlord’s complaint process, and if you’re not happy with the final response from your landlord...

Step 3

Escalate your complaint to the Housing Ombudsman.

Find out more

About the Housing Ombudsman

Fair

The Housing Ombudsman is impartial, will investigate fairly and can order your landlord to take action.

Prompt

Once the Housing Ombudsman has ruled against a landlord, they must show they are taking action within 6-8 weeks.

Effective

Last year, the Housing Ombudsman ordered landlords to pay over £6m in compensation to residents.

Contact the Housing Ombudsman
Know your rights, visit gov.uk/social-housing

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