Glossary

Improvement notice

Plain-English definition

A formal notice from the local council's environmental health team ordering a landlord to fix a specific hazard within a set period. Failing to comply is a criminal offence. Tenants can ask EHOs to issue one if a landlord ignores their reports.

Related terms

Environmental health officer (EHO)

A local council officer who can inspect private and social housing for hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). They have powers to serve improvement notices and emergency prohibition orders on landlords who ignore serious hazards.

Need help with a real housing problem?

Glossary entries explain the words. If you have a damp, mould, heating or repair problem your landlord is ignoring, we can help. Call free or start your claim online.

Call 0800 030 4669 Start a claim

By: Support for Tenants editorial team

Last updated: 15 June 2026

Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 15 June 2026. Checked by our SRA-regulated panel solicitors. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Any compensation figures or ranges shown are illustrative only and not guaranteed; every case is different.

Was this helpful?