| Issue | Primary route (first step) | Raise a complaint |
|---|---|---|
| Homelessness issue | Colchester Borough Homes | Immediate risk of losing your home: Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm telephone: 01206 580290 Out of hours, weekends or bank holidays (housing emergencies only) telephone: 01206 769779 Or contact: housing.solutions@cbhomes.org.uk |
| General landlord conduct / Harassment | Step 1: Report to Colchester Borough Homes Step 2: Report to PRS Ombudsman |
Step 1: Immediate risk of losing your home: Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm telephone: 01206 580290 Out of hours, weekends or bank holidays (housing emergencies only) telephone: 01206 769779 or contact: housing.solutions@cbhomes.org.uk Step 2: https://www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/residents/bring-your-complaint-to-the-housing-ombudsman/ |
| Discrimination | Colchester Borough Homes | Immediate risk of losing your home: Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm telephone: 01206 580290 Out of hours, weekends or bank holidays (housing emergencies only) telephone: 01206 769779 Or contact: housing.solutions@cbhomes.org.uk |
| Discriminatory Advertisements | Essex Trading Standards | Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm - 0808 223 1133 Fridays 5pm to Mondays 9am: https://referrals.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/forms/general |
| Rent in advance (before tenancy is signed) | Essex Trading Standards | |
| Reletting and remarketing in restricted period – Sections 16E and 16J of the Housing Act 1988 | Essex Trading Standards | |
| Attempting to let a property for a fixed term - Section 16E of the Housing Act 1988 | Essex Trading Standards | |
| Rental bidding | Essex Trading Standards | |
| Rent disputes | Step 1: Raise with Landlord (challenge informally first) Step 2: Raise with First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) |
SteStep 2: https://www.gov.uk/housing-tribunals and https://www.gov.uk/courts-tribunals/first-tier-tribunal-property-chamber |
| Breaches of Tenancy agreemnt / Contract | Seek legal council | Helpful Organisations: Justice for Tenants Citizens Advice Shelter |
| Housing Disrepair | Colchester City Council Private Sector Housing |
Private Sector Housing · Report a complaint |
| Rent Repayment Order | Apply via Government Website | Apply for a rent repayment order: Form RRO1 - GOV.UK |
| Renting with Pets | Step 1: Raise a request. Tenant disputing directly with landlord Step 2: Raise with First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) if outcome seems unreasonable |
Step 2: https://www.gov.uk/housing-tribunals and https://www.gov.uk/courts-tribunals/first-tier-tribunal-property-chamber |
Guidance for tenants contact list
Information and useful contacts to help tenants find the right advice and support.