Letter asking your council to inspect your home (HHSRS)
When to use this
- Your landlord has ignored your repair reports.
- You want an independent council inspection to put formal pressure on your landlord.
- You live in private rented housing or a housing association home your council can inspect.
What to attach
- Photos showing the problem
- Copies of letters or emails to your landlord that have been ignored
- Any medical evidence if the problem is affecting your health
The template (copy or print)
[Your full name] [Your address, including postcode] [Today's date] [Environmental Health Team, your council's name and address] Dear Environmental Health Officer, Re: Request for HHSRS inspection at [Your address] I am the tenant at the above address, rented from [landlord's name]. I am writing to ask your team to carry out a Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) inspection of my home. The property has [describe the problems: serious damp and mould / no working heating / a structural crack / a persistent leak / etc.]. I first reported this to my landlord on [date(s)]. Despite my reports, [no action has been taken / the problem has not been properly repaired]. [Include if health affected: The conditions are affecting my health. I have [describe symptoms] and my doctor has [or: my doctor has been made aware].] I believe the property has one or more Category [1 or 2] hazards under HHSRS. I am requesting that an inspector visit to assess the property formally. Please contact me on [your phone number] or [your email] to arrange the visit. I can also provide copies of my correspondence with the landlord. Yours faithfully, [Your full name] [Your phone number] [Your email address]
After you send it
The council should acknowledge your request within a few working days. If they take no action, ask them in writing why and keep a copy of everything.
See also: the related guide.
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