Advice for social housing tenants

Advice for tenants living in social housing, including your rights, responsibilities and how to get help with issues.

You have a right to live in a home that is:

  • safe
  • well maintained
  • fit to live in

Your landlord must meet legal standards for repairs and property conditions. 

Repairs in your council or housing association home on the Shelter website

Report a repair or housing issue

Contact your housing association to report repairs or problems with your home. Most housing associations ask you to report issues through their website.

If your complaint is not resolved

If your landlord does not resolve your complaint after completing their complaints process, you can escalate it.

Housing Ombudsman

The Housing Ombudsman investigates complaints about housing associations. The service is free and independent.

Housing Ombudsman Service website.

Contact us

If you are not satisfied with your landlord's response, contact us:

Allerdale: [email protected]
Carlisle: [email protected]
Copeland: [email protected]

Damp and mould

Damp and mould can affect your health and are more common in colder months. Causes can vary and may be difficult to identify.

Find guidance on damp and mould.

Awaab's Law

Government guidance introduced in 2025 requires social landlords to act quickly on damp and mould issues.

Awaab’s Law: Guidance for tenants in social housing on GOV.UK

Get legal advice

You can get independent advice if you need help with your rights or housing issues:

  • Citizen Advice Bureau: 01228 633 900
  • Cumbria Law Centre: 01228 515 129