Last reviewed: June 1, 2026 · Written by James Carter, Consumer Rights Researcher · Independent resource — not a government site
Report a landlord to your local housing authority or code enforcement by calling 311. For housing discrimination contact HUD at hud.gov or 1-800-669-9777. All complaints can be filed for free.
Quick answer: Report a landlord to your local housing authority, your city or county code enforcement office, or your state Attorney General’s tenant protection division. For habitability issues call 311. For illegal discrimination contact HUD at hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing or 1-800-669-9777.
Tenants have strong legal protections in every U.S. state. Whether your landlord is refusing repairs, illegally entering your home, withholding your security deposit, or discriminating against you — there is an agency that can help. This guide covers every situation with the correct reporting steps.
What Can I Report a Landlord For?
Common reportable landlord violations include: failing to make necessary repairs, not providing heat or hot water, illegal entry without 24-hour notice, withholding security deposits without justification, housing discrimination, retaliatory eviction after you complain, illegal lockouts, and maintaining uninhabitable conditions such as mould, pests, or broken plumbing.
Which Agency to Contact Based on Your Issue
| Issue | Agency | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Unsafe or uninhabitable conditions | Local code enforcement / 311 | Dial 311 |
| Housing discrimination | HUD Fair Housing | hud.gov | 1-800-669-9777 |
| Security deposit withheld | Small claims court / state AG | usa.gov/state-attorney-general |
| Illegal eviction or lockout | Local police + housing court | 911 / 311 |
| Rent fraud or scams | FTC + state AG | reportfraud.ftc.gov |
| Health hazards (mould, lead paint) | Local health department | 311 |
How to Report a Landlord Step by Step
- Document every issue with dates and photos. Take timestamped photos of all problems — mould, broken locks, pest evidence, water damage. Keep copies of all texts and emails with your landlord.
- Notify your landlord in writing first. Send a written repair request by email or certified letter. Give a reasonable deadline (typically 14–30 days for non-emergency repairs). This is required in most states before you can take further action.
- Contact your local code enforcement office. Call 311 or search “[your city] code enforcement.” An inspector will visit the property. Violations result in formal notices to your landlord with legally enforceable repair deadlines.
- File with HUD for discrimination. If you were denied housing or treated differently based on race, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin, file at hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing within one year of the incident.
- Report to your state Attorney General. For security deposit disputes, lease fraud, or pattern of violations, contact your state AG’s consumer protection division. Find yours at usa.gov/state-attorney-general.
- File in small claims court for financial disputes. For withheld security deposits under your state’s limit (typically $5,000–$10,000), small claims court is the fastest resolution — no lawyer needed and filing fees are under $100.
- Contact a tenant rights organisation. Free legal help is available in most cities. Search “[your city] tenant rights organisation” or visit lawhelp.org to find free legal aid near you.
- Report retaliation immediately. If your landlord raises rent, threatens eviction, or reduces services after you file a complaint — that is illegal retaliation in every U.S. state. Document it and report it to your local housing authority and state AG.
State-Specific Tenant Protections
In California, tenants have some of the strongest protections — contact the California Department of Consumer Affairs at dca.ca.gov or your local rent board. In New York, contact the NY Division of Housing and Community Renewal at hcr.ny.gov. In Texas, file with the Texas State Property Tax Division or local housing authority. In Florida, contact the Florida Commission on Human Relations at fchr.myflorida.com for discrimination complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions
For related guides see: How to Report Police Misconduct, How to Make a Complaint Effectively, How to Report Noisy Neighbors, and our Community Issues Reporting Hub.