How to report a housing hazard in your rented home

Your right to a safe home

Your home should be safe to live in. If it is not, you do not have to wait for your landlord to act.

Councils in England use a system called the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) to check for hazards in rented homes. You can ask your council to use it — for free — at any time.

From 22 June 2026, updated rules mean councils have stronger powers to act when they find the most serious problems.

What hazards does the system cover?

The system covers 21 types of serious problem. These include:

• Damp and mould — which can cause breathing and lung problems
• Excess cold — for example, broken or missing heating
• Faulty electrical installations
• Fire hazards — such as missing smoke alarms or blocked escape routes
• Structural problems and unsafe layouts

Each hazard is rated as Category 1 (serious) or Category 2 (less serious).

How to ask for an inspection

Contact your local council's environmental health team. You can usually do this online, by phone, or in writing.

Tell them what the problem is and how long it has been there. A photo or two can help.

There is no cost to you. An officer will arrange to visit and check the property. You do not need your landlord's permission.

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What happens after the inspection?

If the officer finds a Category 1 hazard, the council must take action. They usually do this by sending your landlord a legal notice. The notice tells them to fix the problem by a set date.

If the officer finds a Category 2 hazard, the council can choose whether to act.

What if your landlord has already ignored you?

Try to put your complaint in writing first. Keep a record of texts, emails, and any letters.

If your landlord refuses to act or does not reply, contacting the council is your next step. Your landlord cannot legally punish you for making a report.

If you receive any kind of threat or an unexpected eviction notice after reporting a problem, contact Citizens Advice or Shelter straight away. They offer free advice and can help you take the right next steps.

Tips before you contact the council

Write down:

1. What the problem is and where it is in the home
2. When you first noticed it
3. What you have already told your landlord, and when

A clear written record makes your case much easier for the council to act on quickly.

Not sure if your problem counts? Visit Shelter's housing advice pages or call Citizens Advice for free guidance.