Renting isn't easy, and it can be especially difficult if your landlord ignores valid complaints you've voiced about your housing situation. However, under most state laws, landlords have certain obligations to their tenants. If your landlord has ignored your complaints consider sending a formal complaint letter instead.
In the article below, we discuss how to write a complaint letter to a landlord, what to include in your complaint letter, provide a sample complaint letter, and give you the next steps after sending a landlord complaint letter.
Did you know we have a free tool powered by AI that helps you create a letter to your landlord? Check out our demand letter tool.
Here are some of the most common reasons people write complaint letters to their landlords:
Sending a complaint letter is an important way to voice your concerns, get the required attention, and reach a resolution.
Here are at least four other reasons to send a complaint letter to a landlord:
There are no set rules for complaint letter writing. However, here are some general tips for what to avoid when writing your complaint letter:
Below, we have included some general steps to follow to write an effective complaint letter to your landlord.
Begin your letter by clearly stating the purpose of the letter, such as "I am writing to express my concerns about the noise levels in my apartment building." Keep the facts concise and clear. Your landlord is not going to read or respond to a 3-page complaint letter. Effective complaint letters get to the heart of the problem quickly.
Describe how the issue is affecting you and your ability to live comfortably in the rental unit. Your landlord may be ignoring your concerns because they don’t understand the extent of the problem. This is your chance to voice your concerns and how it is affecting your daily life.
If you have a suggestion in mind for a course of action your landlord can take, include it in your letter. By working collaboratively with your landlord to find a solution to the issue, you are more likely to resolve the problem and maintain a positive relationship with your landlord.
If you have any documentation to support your complaint, such as photographs, past correspondences between you and your landlord, or relevant sections of your lease, attach them to your letter. This will better illustrate to your landlord the extent of the problem you are currently facing.
You may want to consider giving your landlord 14 days to respond to you and state that if they do not respond within that time, you will take further action.
Once you have sent your complaint letter, keep it in your records. In the event you do end up filing a small claims lawsuit, you can bring it to the hearing and show it to the judge. This is especially handy if your landlord claims they didn’t receive the complaint letter or if the judge asks questions about the complaint letter at the hearing.
Below is a sample complaint letter addressed to a landlord. Remember, when using this sample, insert the relevant information of your dispute: [Your Name] [Your Address] [Date] [Landlord’s Name] [Landlord’s Address] RE: [Subject of your complaint] Dear [Landlord’s Name]: I am writing this letter to bring to your attention some issues that have been affecting my living situation at [rental property address]. I have [describe the problem or issue you faced]. This has caused me significant inconvenience and has resulted in [explain the impact of the issue]. I have tried to resolve this issue through [explain the steps you have taken so far, if any]. However, I have yet to resolve the problem. I am now requesting that you take prompt and effective action to remedy these issues. To resolve this issue, [describe what action you want your landlord to take]. I look forward to resolving this matter amicably. If you would like to discuss this matter further, you may contact me at [your email or phone number]. If I do not hear from you by [14 days from now], I will take further action. Sincerely, ____________________________ [Your signature]
Did you know we have a free tool powered by AI that helps you create a letter to your landlord? Check out our demand letter tool.
If you have moved out of the rental unit, consider sending your complaint letter by mail or email. If you still live in the rental unit, you can also mail or email your letter, or you can hand deliver the letter if this option is available to you. For mailed letters to a landlord about a complaint, consider sending your letter with tracking information so that you know when it has been delivered.
Besides sending a complaint letter, you may be able to file a complaint against your landlord with a state or federal agency.
If your landlord ignores your complaint letter, consider sending a more strongly worded demand letter instead. A demand letter is a document you can send to your landlord in order to make a formal demand for payment, action, or compliance with a particular request. For example, you can send your landlord a demand letter if they refuse to return your security deposit.
Here are some frequently asked questions we receive about demand letters:
Consider suing your landlord in small claims court if you have not been able to resolve your complaints through a complaint letter or after filing a complaint with a government agency. Small claims courts handle a wide range of disputes, including disputes against landlords for issues over security deposits, breach of lease terms, and unsafe living conditions.
Be careful, some states or cities also have Housing Courts that may be better equipped to handle specific complaints against landlords. For example, New York City has a Housing Court that handles evictions, and emergency repair cases.
Did you know we have a free tool powered by AI that helps you create a letter to your landlord? Check out our demand letter tool.
Legal Educator at JusticeDirect. Camila holds a law degree and is a certified mediator. Her passion is breaking down complicated legal processes so that people without an attorney can get justice.
Legal Educator at JusticeDirect. Camila holds a law degree and is a certified mediator. Her passion is breaking down complicated legal processes so that people without an attorney can get justice.
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