Westminster City Council (24 019 623)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Private housing 01-Apr-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this late complaint about the Council’s decision to issue Mr X a penalty relating to an unlicenced House in Multiple Occupation. There is not a good reason for the delay in bringing the matter to us, and Mr X also likely had a right of appeal to the First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber – Residential Property), which would have been reasonable for him to use.

Nottinghamshire County Council (24 018 264)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Private housing 30-Mar-2025

Summary: We will not exercise discretion to investigate this complaint about the installation of external insulation under a government grant scheme. This complaint which was received outside the normal 12-month period for investigating complaints. There is no evidence to suggest that Mrs X could not have complained to us sooner.

Burnley Borough Council (24 013 976)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Private housing 27-Mar-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint about how the Council responded to her reports of disrepair in her private rented accommodation. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault to justify investigating.

Southend-on-Sea City Council (24 018 950)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Private housing 25-Mar-2025

Summary: We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint alleging bias by Council officers culminating in an Improvement Notice being issued to him as a private landlord. This is because it does not meet the tests set out in our Assessment Code. Mr X has used his legal right to appeal to the First Tier (Property Chamber) Tribunal against the notice. We have no jurisdiction to investigate.

Trafford Council (24 016 170)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Private housing 25-Mar-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint about the Council’s handling of concerns she reported about disrepair in her privately rented property between 2012 and 2024. This is because some of her complaints are late and there are no good reasons to exercise discretion to consider the late complaints. In addition, there is insufficient evidence of fault.

London Borough of Camden (24 015 934)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Private housing 18-Mar-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint. The law prevents us investigating matters where Mr X has taken court action, or the Council’s use of public money. We will not revisit complaints we have already decided. The Council should have more opportunity to consider complaints about recent events.

Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council (24 007 891)

Statement Upheld Private housing 14-Mar-2025

Summary: Mr X complained the Council wrongly told his tenant to remain in his property despite him serving eviction notices and delayed responding to his complaint. The Council failed to consider whether it was reasonable for Mr Y to remain in the property and delayed responding to a complaint. Mr X incurred unnecessary legal and bailiff costs and experienced frustration. An apology, payment to Mr X and reminder to officers is satisfactory remedy.

Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (24 016 911)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Private housing 11-Mar-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint about the Council not acting in line with its contract with her because it is reasonable for her to take court action in relation to the contract. Further, we could not achieve the outcome Ms X wants.

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (24 017 461)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Private housing 06-Mar-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s actions in connection with a private sector tenancy and the landlord’s request for compensation from the Council. This is because it does not meet the tests set out in our Assessment Code. We are unlikely to find fault with the Council.

Leeds City Council (24 017 685)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Private housing 03-Mar-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this late complaint about the Council allegedly failing to properly cancel improvement notices it issued against Mr X, a landlord. There is not a good reason for the delay in Mr X bringing the matter to us.