Last reviewed March 2026 — LetterSure editorial team
Being ignored by your landlord is frustrating and potentially dangerous if the issue involves repairs. Here is exactly what to do — from formal letters to council referrals and beyond.
Before you can escalate to the council, ombudsman or court, you need to show you gave your landlord a reasonable opportunity to fix the problem. A formal letter creates a paper trail that proves you raised the issue, when you raised it, and what you asked for. Without this evidence your options are significantly limited.
Even if you have spoken to your landlord verbally or sent informal messages, a formal letter sent by recorded post or email with read receipts is essential before escalating.
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Start with a professional letter before escalating further
Generate my landlord letter — £6.99Step 1 — Send a formal written letter
If you have only spoken or texted, send a formal letter by email and recorded post. Give a clear deadline of 14 days. Keep a copy.
Step 2 — Follow up in writing
If the deadline passes with no response, send a follow up letter referencing your original and stating you will now escalate.
Step 3 — Contact the council's environmental health team
For repair issues, your local council can inspect the property and issue an improvement notice. Landlords who ignore these face serious fines.
Step 4 — Contact a housing charity
Shelter and Citizens Advice offer free advice and can help you understand your options and rights.
Step 5 — Withhold rent as a last resort
Only in very specific circumstances and with proper legal advice. Doing this incorrectly can put your tenancy at risk.
Step 6 — Apply to the courts
As a last resort you can apply to the county court for an order requiring your landlord to carry out repairs or return your deposit.
For urgent repairs — no heating, no hot water, structural damage — 24-48 hours is reasonable. For non-urgent repairs, 14-28 days is standard. For general complaints or disputes, 14 days is a reasonable deadline before escalating. Always state your deadline clearly in your letter.
All written communication
Keep copies of every letter, email, and text message between you and your landlord.
Photos and videos
Document the problem with dated photos and videos — these are powerful evidence.
A repair diary
Note every time you reported the issue, who you spoke to, and what was said.
Any responses from your landlord
Even if they are dismissive or unhelpful, keep them as evidence of their attitude.
Receipts for any costs you have incurred
If the problem has cost you money — alternative accommodation, replacing damaged items — keep receipts.
Start with a formal letter before escalating
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What can I do if my landlord ignores my repair requests?
Send a formal written letter giving a 14 day deadline. If your landlord still does not respond, contact your local council's environmental health department. They can inspect the property and issue an improvement notice — landlords who ignore these face significant fines.
How long should I give my landlord to respond?
For urgent repairs such as no heating or hot water, 24-48 hours is reasonable. For non-urgent repairs, 14-28 days is standard. Always state your deadline clearly in your letter.
Can I withhold rent if my landlord ignores me?
Withholding rent is risky and should only be considered as a last resort with proper advice. The recommended approach is formal letters first, then escalation to the council's environmental health team.
What evidence should I keep if my landlord ignores me?
Keep all written communication, take dated photos and videos of the problem, keep a repair diary, and keep receipts for any costs you have incurred as a result of the problem.
Who can I contact if my landlord refuses to make repairs?
Contact your local council's environmental health department. Shelter and Citizens Advice both offer free advice. As a last resort you can apply to the county court for a repair order.
This guide is for general information only. LetterSure letters are personal correspondence drafts and do not constitute legal advice. For legal matters consult a qualified solicitor at solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk.