When your landlord has ignored you for months — or years — it’s only natural to soften your tone.
To apologise.
To doubt yourself.
To wonder if it’s you who’s being difficult.

Let’s be clear:
You are not the problem.

If you’ve ever:

• Second-guessed your tone in an email

• Rewritten a complaint dozens of times

• Felt that being polite has gotten you nowhere

Then this guide is for you.

The Power of Assertive Language

Your words matter — especially when you’re holding a landlord accountable for housing disrepair.
Here’s how to reframe your language for clarity, legal weight, and impact:

❌ Instead of saying:

• “Sorry to bother you again…”

• “Just wondering if there’s any update?”

• “There’s a bit of damp starting to show…”

• “I think it might be getting worse…”

• “Could you please take a look when possible?”

• “It’s probably just condensation.”

• “I’d appreciate a response if you have time.”

✅ Try saying:

• “This is a follow-up regarding unresolved and urgent housing disrepair.”

• “Please confirm a written timeline for repair completion.”

• “There is black mould and damp present, which poses a serious health risk to my family.”

• “This issue is worsening and impacting the health and safety of my household.”

• “This requires immediate inspection under your legal duty as a landlord.”

• “I expect a written response within 7 days, in accordance with statutory repair obligations.”

• “This is not condensation. It is black mould caused by structural disrepair.”

Need Help Writing the Email? Copy This Template

If you’re unsure how to report disrepair to your landlord, here’s a ready-to-use email you can personalise:

Subject: Urgent Housing Disrepair – Immediate Action Required

Dear [Landlord or Housing Officer’s Name],

I am writing to formally raise serious concerns regarding disrepair at my property:
[Your Address]

Previously reported issues remain unresolved, including:

• [e.g. Black mould in bedroom]

• [e.g. Persistent damp in bathroom]

• [e.g. Rodent infestation in kitchen]

These issues now pose a risk to my household’s health and safety.
Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, you are legally required to ensure the property is free from serious hazards.

I am requesting that you:

1. Acknowledge this email within 48 hours.

2. Confirm a date for a full inspection.

3. Provide a timeline for permanent repairs.

If I do not receive a satisfactory response within 7 days, I will be seeking legal advice and contacting appropriate authorities.

Kind regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Address]

Why Language Matters

For tenants — especially those from marginalised communities — using firm, direct language can feel risky.
You’ve likely been told to not sound “aggressive” or “ungrateful.”

Here’s the truth:

• You’re allowed to be firm.

• You’re allowed to expect safety.

• You’re allowed to demand basic human rights — without apology.

At Tenant Rescue, We’ve Got Your Back

We work with tenants every day who have been ignored, gaslit, and blamed for disrepair that isn’t their fault.

Your voice is not “too much.”
It’s your greatest tool.
And you are not alone.

Use This Toolkit. Share It. Save It.

• Copy and paste the language.

• Use it in texts, emails, and legal letters.

• Share it with friends, neighbours, and housing groups.

• If you’re stuck, reach out to us — we’re here to help.

Final Thought

There is strength in your frustration.

There is dignity in your voice.
And even in the silence, know this — you are not the only one knocking.
We’re all banging on the same door.

— The Tenant Rescue Team