Posted By Lynne Davis A start could be checking whether the letting agent is a member of the Association of Residential Letting Agents. If so, they have certain responsibilities. You can check the arla website which has some information for tenants: www.arla.co.uk There is also the Landlord and Tenant Act which deals with the matter of disrepair under section 11. When I have looked up the regulations, I hope to give you more information (later tonight). Another possibility, but only more effective if claiming housing benefit to pay rent is contacting your local rent officer for some advice. Usually though, if a tenant pays the rent, the rent officer may not be able to be effective. If the property you are living in is what is termed as "house in multiple occupation", ie several occupants, own rooms, but with communal facilities, then you need to contact the environmental health officer in your local authority. There is now legislation coming into force whereby "HMO's" have to be properly licensed and regulated, which can be enforced by the EHO. Hope that is a start. Will respond further asap.