Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about defects to a residential property. This is because the Council was acting in its capacity as a landlord at the time, and the law does not allow us to investigate these types of complaints.

The complaint

1. Mr X complained the Council had not properly addressed his concerns about problems with a property he moved into in October 2024. Mr X said the heating and hot water did not work properly. Mr X also said the Council had damaged his personal property and wants compensation.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We cannot investigate complaints about the provision or management of social housing by a council acting as a registered social housing provider. (Local Government Act 1974, paragraph 5A schedule 5, as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by the complainant and I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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Final decision

4. We cannot investigate X’s complaint because the law does not allow us to investigate any actions the Council has taken as a landlord.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman