London Borough of Newham (25 000 596)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Private housing 13-Jul-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s advice to Mr X’s tenants about remaining in his rental property following a possession order being obtained. There is insufficient evidence of fault which would warrant an investigation.

Southampton City Council (25 000 142)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Private housing 13-Jul-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to issue a financial penalty notice. Mr X had the right to appeal to the First Tier (Property Chamber) Tribunal, and it was reasonable for him to exercise that right.

London Borough of Waltham Forest (24 006 835)

Statement Upheld Private housing 10-Jul-2025

Summary: X complained that the Council failed to properly respond to reports their rental accommodation suffered from disrepair and the landlord harassed and attempted to illegally evict X. We find the Council failed to properly consider its powers to tackle landlord harassment and retaliatory eviction, which caused X significant distress and risk of harm. The Council has agreed to apologise, make a symbolic payment to X and implement service improvements to remedy the injustice.

London Borough of Camden (25 000 837)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Private housing 07-Jul-2025

Summary: We will not exercise discretion to investigate this complaint about damage to the complainant’s property due to a leak caused from the Council’s property above. This complaint was received outside the normal 12-month period for investigating complaints. There is no evidence to suggest that Ms X could not have complained to us sooner. We cannot determine claims about damage to property or personal injury. Only insurers or the courts can decide private negligence claims.

Leicester City Council (25 006 677)

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

Summary: We cannot investigate Mrs B’s complaint that the Council took too long to replace a damaged fence at one of its properties. This is because we cannot investigate complaints about the management of social housing by councils.

Cumberland Council (23 015 764)

Statement Upheld Private housing 03-Jul-2025

Summary: Mr F complained about the way the Council dealt with his application for a home improvement grant. We found fault which caused him time and trouble and to miss out on having solar panels installed. The Council has agreed to fund the installation of solar panels to remedy that injustice.

Spelthorne Borough Council (24 022 477)

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

Summary: We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint about a Council Housing Officer’s behaviour when she wanted advice on the high rent and disrepair issues at her privately rented property. There is not enough injustice to justify our involvement.

Chesterfield Borough Council (25 001 114)

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

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about a penalty charge notice sent by the Council for failing to have a working smoke alarm in a rented property that he owns. This is because the complaint is late.

London Borough of Bromley (25 002 028)

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

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to issue an improvement notice. Mr X had the right to appeal to the First Tier (Property Chamber) Tribunal, and it was reasonable for him to exercise that right.

Sunderland City Council (25 000 782)

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

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Council support after the Council persuaded the complainant to let a tenant remain in his property. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.