Who handles landlord complaints depends on what the problem is

You do not report all landlord problems to the same place. A broken heater goes to your local housing authority or code enforcement. Wage theft or discrimination goes to your state labor department or fair housing agency. Illegal eviction goes to police or a tenant rights organization. The agency that can actually help depends on whether the violation is about housing conditions, discrimination, labor law, or criminal conduct.

Start by identifying what is actually wrong. Is it a maintenance issue (broken plumbing, no heat, mold)? Discrimination based on race, religion, family status, or disability? Retaliation for complaining or organizing? Wage theft or illegal fees? An eviction that skipped court? Each one has a different reporting path, and reporting to the wrong place wastes weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Housing code violations (no heat, broken plumbing, mold, pest infestations) go to your city or county housing authority or code enforcement office.
  • Discrimination based on protected status goes to your state fair housing agency or the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
  • Retaliation for complaining, organizing, or reporting violations goes to your state attorney general's office or a tenant rights organization.
  • Illegal evictions or evictions that skip court procedures go to local police and a tenant rights organization or legal aid office.
  • Wage theft, illegal fees, or labor violations go to your state labor department or attorney general's office.

Housing code violations: contact your local housing authority or code enforcement

If your landlord is not maintaining the unit — no heat in winter, broken plumbing, mold, pest infestations, broken windows, no hot water — the agency that enforces housing codes is your city or county housing authority, code enforcement office, or department of housing inspection. The name varies by location, but it is always a local government office, not a state or federal one.

Call your city or county government main line and ask for the housing authority, code enforcement, or housing inspection division. Tell them the specific problem, the address, and how long it has been happening. They will send an inspector to the unit. If violations are found, the landlord receives a notice to repair within a set timeframe (usually 14 to 30 days, depending on severity). If the landlord does not comply, the city can fine them, place a lien on the property, or in some cases repair the unit and bill the landlord.

Document everything before you call: take photos and videos with dates, keep records of when you reported the problem to the landlord and what they said, and note any health effects (respiratory issues, allergies worsening). Bring this documentation when the inspector visits. Some jurisdictions allow tenants to request a rent reduction or repair-and-deduct remedy while the city process is underway — ask the housing authority about your local rules.

Discrimination: report to your state fair housing agency or HUD

If your landlord is treating you differently because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (having children), disability, or sexual orientation, that is housing discrimination. Some states add additional protected categories like marital status or source of income. Report this to your state fair housing agency or directly to the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

To find your state agency, search "[your state] fair housing" or call HUD's national hotline at 1-800-669-9777. You can file a complaint by phone, mail, or online. You will need to describe what happened, when it happened, who was involved, and what you believe the discriminatory reason was. You do not need a lawyer to file. HUD or your state agency will investigate at no cost to you.

The investigation typically takes 100 to 180 days. If the agency finds probable cause of discrimination, they will try to reach a settlement. If no settlement is reached, the case can go to an administrative hearing or federal court. Keep records of all communications with the landlord, any written policies that seem discriminatory, and witness statements from others who experienced similar treatment.

Retaliation for complaining or organizing: state attorney general or tenant rights groups

If your landlord is retaliating against you for reporting code violations, joining a tenant organization, requesting repairs, or exercising any tenant right, that is illegal retaliation in most states. Retaliation can look like a sudden rent increase, threats of eviction, reduced services, or harassment. Report this to your state attorney general's office or a local tenant rights organization.

Your state attorney general's office has a consumer protection or housing division. Call the main line and ask how to report landlord retaliation. You will describe what you reported or did, when the landlord's retaliatory action occurred, and how you believe it is connected. Retaliation cases are often stronger when there is a clear timeline: you reported a problem on date X, and the landlord increased rent or threatened eviction on date Y shortly after.

Tenant rights organizations in your area may also investigate retaliation and can sometimes pressure the landlord or file a complaint on your behalf. Search "[your city or county] tenant rights" or call 211 to find local groups. Many offer free consultations and can advise you on whether the landlord's action meets the legal definition of retaliation in your state.

Illegal evictions or evictions that skip court: police and legal aid

If your landlord is trying to evict you without going through the court system — changing locks, removing your belongings, shutting off utilities, or threatening you to leave — that is an illegal "self-help" eviction. Call local police and report it as trespassing, property damage, or harassment. Then contact a tenant rights organization or legal aid office when ready.

Police may not always treat this as a priority, so also file a written complaint with your city or county police department. Get a case number. At the same time, contact a legal aid office or tenant rights organization. They can file an emergency court order to restore your access to the unit and can sometimes sue the landlord for damages. Many legal aid offices have emergency hotlines for lockouts and illegal evictions.

If your landlord filed for eviction in court but skipped required steps — did not serve you with proper notice, did not give you the correct amount of time to respond, or did not follow your state's eviction procedures — contact legal aid or a tenant rights organization before your court date. An attorney can file a motion to dismiss the case if the landlord did not follow procedure. Do not ignore an eviction notice; even if you believe it is illegal, you must respond in court.

Wage theft and illegal fees: state labor department

If your landlord is deducting money from your paycheck, charging illegal fees (process fees, move-in fees beyond what your lease allows, pet fees that are not in writing), or withholding your security deposit without a valid reason, that may be wage theft or a violation of consumer protection law. Report this to your state labor department or state attorney general's office.

Your state labor department has a wage and hour division. Call or file a complaint online describing what money was taken, when, and under what claim the landlord made. Bring copies of your lease, any written fee schedules, and bank statements or cancelled checks showing the deductions. Many states allow you to recover the money plus penalties and attorney fees if you win.

Security deposit violations are common: landlords who do not return deposits within the required timeframe (usually 30 to 45 days), do not provide an itemized list of deductions, or deduct for normal wear and tear. Document the condition of the unit when you moved in (photos, walk-through video) and when you moved out. If the landlord keeps your deposit without proper justification, file a complaint with your state attorney general or small claims court.

Finding the right agency: use 211 or your city government website

If you are not sure which agency handles your specific problem, call 211 (available in most areas) and describe the issue. They will direct you to the correct local or state office. You can also visit your city or county government website and search for "housing complaints" or "tenant rights." Many cities have a tenant rights hotline or ombudsman office that can triage your complaint and tell you where to report it.

When you call any agency, have the following information ready: your address, the landlord's name and contact information, a clear description of the problem, when it started, and what you have already done about it (reported it to the landlord in writing, requested repairs, etc.). Ask for a case number and the name of the person handling your complaint. Follow up in writing (email or certified mail) to create a record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I report my landlord anonymously?

Most housing code violations can be reported anonymously to your local housing authority — you call or submit an online form without giving your name. However, discrimination and retaliation complaints usually require your name and contact information because the agency needs to investigate and may need to interview you. Ask the agency about their anonymous reporting policy when you call.

What happens after I report my landlord?

For code violations, an inspector visits the unit and the landlord receives a notice to repair. For discrimination or retaliation, the agency investigates and tries to reach a settlement or refers the case to a hearing. For illegal evictions, police may intervene and you can file a court order. Timelines vary widely — from weeks to months — depending on the agency's workload and the complexity of the case.

Can my landlord evict me for reporting them?

No. Retaliatory evictions are illegal in most states. If your landlord files for eviction within a certain period after you report a code violation or join a tenant organization (usually 30 to 180 days, depending on your state), the eviction is presumed retaliatory and can be dismissed. Contact legal aid or a tenant rights organization when ready if this happens.

Do I need a lawyer to report my landlord?

No. You can file complaints with housing authorities, fair housing agencies, labor departments, and police without a lawyer. Many complaints are free to file. However, a lawyer or legal aid attorney can strengthen your case, especially for discrimination, retaliation, or illegal eviction. Contact your local legal aid office to see if you may have access to for free representation.

What if the agency does not respond to my complaint?

Follow up in writing (email or certified mail) asking for a status update and a case number. If the agency is unresponsive, contact your city council member or state representative — they often have constituent services that can pressure agencies to act. You can also contact a tenant rights organization or legal aid office for information on next steps.