Complaints · US · Landlord or housing
How to complain about a landlord (US)
Read your lease, then write to your landlord or management company about the problem. If that fails, contact your state agency that handles tenant rights; many states publish a tenant handbook. Report housing discrimination to HUD within 1 year of it happening. If HUD insures or manages your building, use HUD's Multifamily Housing Complaint Line. Legal aid and small claims court handle money disputes.
Complaint routes and time limits checked against official sources on .
First
Complain to the landlord
in writing
Wait
See below
or a final response
Then
State tenant rights agency
free
Checked
27 Sep 2026
official sources
1. Complain to the landlord first
Read your lease, then write to the landlord or management company describing the problem and the fix you need. Include: property address and lease dates; the problem and when you first reported it; photos with dates; what you want and by when.
2. How long to wait
There is no national waiting period. State and local tenant laws set any repair deadlines.
3. Escalate to State tenant rights agency
Set by each state. It is free. usa.gov/tenant-rights
4. Escalate to HUD (housing discrimination)
Within 1 year of the discrimination happening or ending. It is free. hud.gov/reporthousingdiscrimination
5. Escalate to Small claims court
Each state sets its own dollar limit, filing fee and time limit; check your state or county court website. It can: a judgment for money owed, such as a deposit. usa.gov/tenant-rights
Who does not handle your complaint
There is no national housing ombudsman. Your state tenant rights agency, legal aid and the courts handle most disputes; HUD handles discrimination and HUD-insured properties.
Where to escalate and the time limits
Time limits run from the date shown in each row. Keep the final response or deadlock letter, because the ombudsman will ask for it.
| Who | Time limit | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| State tenant rights agency | Set by each state. | Free |
| HUD (housing discrimination) | Within 1 year of the discrimination happening or ending. | Free |
| Small claims court | Each state sets its own dollar limit, filing fee and time limit; check your state or county court website. | Check their website |
Evidence to keep
Your lease. Dated photos and videos. Letters, texts and emails to the landlord. Rent receipts.
Also worth knowing
If HUD insures or manages your building, you can report negligence or fraud to HUD's Multifamily Housing Complaint Line.
Guides and definitions
- How to file a CFPB complaint, what happens next and does it work (Guide)
- Regulation E (Regulation E is the US federal rule that limits your liability for unauthorized debit card and electronic transfers to $50 or $500 if you report them in time.)
Complaints about something else
- Bank or credit card (US)
- Loans and credit reports (US)
- Phone, internet and cable (US)
- Airlines (US)
- Utilities (power, gas, water) (US)
- Shopping and online retailers (US)
- Health insurance (US)
All complaint guides · Get your route with dates and a letter
Common questions
Where can I file a complaint against my landlord?
With your state agency that handles tenant rights, which may be the attorney general or a housing agency. If HUD insures or manages the property, report negligence or fraud to HUD's Multifamily Housing Complaint Line. Legal aid can help with a lawyer.
How long do I have to report housing discrimination to HUD?
One year after the discrimination happened or ended, under the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3610). Discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status or disability is covered. File as soon as you can.
Is there a housing ombudsman in the US?
No national one. Tenant disputes are handled under state and local law, through state agencies, legal aid and the courts. HUD handles housing discrimination and complaints about properties it insures or manages.
Can I take my landlord to small claims court for my deposit?
Yes, in most states. Each state sets its own dollar limit, filing fee and deadline, so check your state or county court website. Bring your lease, move-out photos and letters asking for the deposit.
What evidence should I keep in a landlord dispute?
Your lease, dated photos and videos of the problem, every letter, text and email to the landlord, and rent receipts. Write down the date you first reported each problem and who you spoke to.
Sources and assumptions
- General routes from official sources; a scheme may ask for more before it takes your case.
- USAGov: How to file a complaint against a landlord (updated 15 April 2026)
- Cornell LII (US Code): 42 U.S. Code § 3610
- USAGov: Identify and complain about rental housing discrimination
- HUD: Report Housing Discrimination
Guidance on where to complain, not legal advice.