How to Report a Landlord for Unsafe Housing

For problems like no heat, leaks, mold, pests or unsafe wiring, a city housing or code enforcement inspector can inspect and order repairs. Tell your landlord in writing first and keep a copy; most states protect tenants from retaliation for making a complaint.

City housing inspectors and code enforcement

Birmingham, Alabama: Code Enforcement Division, Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits (PEP), City of Birmingham — Call 311 or use the City's 311 Portal, and give the address and the date of the violation. For housing code problems in a rental, call the Code Enforcement Housing line at 205-297-8043. — 205-297-8043
Anchorage, Alaska: Code Enforcement, Municipality of Anchorage — Report unsafe rental conditions confidentially to Municipal Code Enforcement by phone at 907-343-4141, or online through the Municipality's ANCWorks service request system (Building Safety request: https://www.muni.org/anchorageworks/CRM/ServiceRequest/ServiceRequest/BuildingSafety). Code enforcement officials decide when a unit is uninhabitable because of life-safety problems. — 907-343-4141
Chandler, Arizona: Neighborhood Code Enforcement, Neighborhood Preservation, City of Chandler — File a complaint online at https://user.govoutreach.com/chandlercityaz/support.php?cmd=shell or call or text the Code Hotline at 480-782-4320. — 480-782-4320
Mesa, Arizona: Code Compliance, City of Mesa — Report a code violation online at https://mesaaz.citysourced.com/, through the MesaNow app (CityLink Report Issue button), by email to codecomp.info@mesaaz.gov, or by phone at 480-644-2061 (Monday-Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; after hours 480-644-3399). — 480-644-2061
Phoenix, Arizona: Neighborhood Services Department (Code Compliance), City of Phoenix — Report a property violation online through the City's "Report a Property Violation" portal (https://phxatyourservice.dynamics365portals.us/#tellthecityabout); Code Compliance inspectors investigate and work with property owners to fix violations. You can also call the Neighborhood Services Department at 602-534-4444 or email NSD@Phoenix.gov. For urgent problems such as no cooling, no heat or no drinkable water, the Human Services Department's Landlord and Tenant Program may help eligible tenants: (602) 262-7210. — 602-534-4444
Tucson, Arizona: Code Enforcement Division, Planning & Development Services Department, City of Tucson — File a complaint with the online Code Enforcement Complaint Form (https://docs.tucsonaz.gov/Forms/PDSD-Code-Enforcement-Complaint-Form), call 311 or submit a request through Tucson 311, or call Code Enforcement at (520) 791-5843 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Code Enforcement handles interior problems such as unsafe living conditions, lack of utilities, heating or cooling, pests, and electrical hazards. It does not investigate mold, bedbugs or termites. — (520) 791-5843
Little Rock, Arkansas: Department of Housing and Neighborhood Programs, City of Little Rock — Report possible housing code or tenant-rights violations to the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Programs, 500 West Markham Street, Suite 120W, Little Rock, AR 72201, phone (501) 371-6825. Other city problems can be reported through Little Rock 311 (https://littlerock-cwiprod.motorolasolutions.com/cwi/select). — (501) 371-6825
Bakersfield, California: Code Enforcement, Building Division, Development Services Department, City of Bakersfield — Report a code violation through the City's "Report Code Enforcement Violation" page (https://www.bakersfieldcity.us/203/Report-Code-Enforcement-Violation). A Code Enforcement Officer inspects the property, and enforcement begins once a violation is identified.
Berkeley, California: Housing Code Enforcement (Housing Code Inspections), City of Berkeley — If your landlord does not fix a problem, you can ask the City for a housing inspection. Online: go to https://www.citizenserve.com/berkeley, choose "Tenants Request for Service," register or log in, and submit the form. You can also call (510) 981-5444 (and ask for a form to be mailed), email hce@berkeleyca.gov, mail Housing Code Enforcement, 1947 Center Street, 3rd Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704, or visit the Permit Service Center at that address Monday-Thursday, 8:30-2:30. — (510) 981-5444
Fresno, California: Code Enforcement, Rental Housing Division, City of Fresno — To report a problem with rental housing conditions, call the City at 559.621.CITY (2489) or 311, or use the City's FresGO 311 service. For rental registry questions, call (559) 621-RENT (7368). — 559.621.CITY (2489)
Long Beach, California: Code Enforcement Bureau, Community Development Department, City of Long Beach — Report a code violation online through the City's "Report A Code Violation" page (https://longbeach.gov/lbcd/enforcement/Referrals/), where you can also track referrals and search code cases. Or call the Code Enforcement Bureau at 562.570.CODE (2633), or visit 411 W. Ocean Blvd., 4th Floor, Long Beach, CA 90802 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM). — 562.570.CODE (2633)
Los Angeles, California: Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) — LAHD investigates unsafe or unhealthy living conditions and Housing Code violations at multifamily rental properties in the City of Los Angeles. File a code complaint online from LAHD's File a Complaint page ("Report a code violation"), and an inspector will assess the situation. To speak with a live person, call the LAHD toll-free hotline at (866) 557-7368, Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (TTY users can dial 711). Questions about habitability can also be emailed to lahd.publicinfo@lacity.org. LAHD does not ask about immigration status. — (866) 557-7368
Oakland, California: City of Oakland Planning & Building Department, Code Enforcement Services — Report property and housing problems such as no heat, electrical or plumbing problems, and work without permits to Code Enforcement Services through the OAK 311 web portal (linked from the City's Report a Property Complaint page) or the OAK 311 mobile app for Android or iPhone; a SeeClickFix account is needed to submit online. OAK 311 can also be used to check the status of a complaint. For questions, call (510) 238-3381 or email BBCode-inspect@oaklandca.gov. The Code Enforcement office is at 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor. — (510) 238-3381
Pasadena, California: City of Pasadena Planning & Community Development Department, Code Compliance Division — Report unsafe or poorly maintained rental conditions, gas odors, pest-related structural damage and illegal conversions to Code Compliance through the City Service Center: online at https://www.cityofpasadena.net/city-service-center/, through the Pasadena CSC mobile app, or by phone at 626-744-7311. Questions about a property or a specific code can go to the Code Compliance office at 626-744-8633. Rats, mice, roaches and other pests go to the Pasadena Public Health Department (626-744-6000). — 626-744-8633
Riverside, California: City of Riverside Community and Economic Development Department, Code Enforcement Division — Report code violations, including substandard housing conditions, to Riverside 311 by calling (951) 826-5311, online at https://crmweb.riversideca.gov/ (choose the "Code Violation" problem type), or through the 311 Riverside app. You can also call Code Enforcement directly at (951) 826-5633 (phone hours Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm) or visit the counter at 3900 Main Street, 2nd Floor. Some departments do not accept anonymous requests. For emergencies, call 911. — (951) 826-5633
Sacramento, California: City of Sacramento Community Development Department, Code Compliance (Housing and Dangerous Buildings) — Report conditions that make a rental unsafe or uninhabitable, including vermin and pest infestations, through Sacramento 311: use the 311 online request tool or the Sac311 mobile app, or dial 3-1-1 (from outside city limits, or if 311 does not connect from a cell phone, call (916) 808-5011). The 311 center is open 7am to 7pm and you may report anonymously. Tell the landlord about the problem in writing first and allow a reasonable time for repairs. — (916) 808-5011
San Diego, California: City of San Diego Development Services Department, Building & Land Use Enforcement Division — Staff inspect the development, use and condition of property for code compliance. Submit a Request for Investigation online through the Division's portal, mail in the downloadable Request for Investigation form (English or Spanish), or call 619-236-5500; you will be asked whether you have contacted the responsible party. Anonymous requests are not accepted, but complainant information is kept confidential except in rare cases where a court requires it. Short-term rental complaints use a separate STRO complaint form. — 619-236-5500
San Francisco, California: San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI), Housing Inspection Services — File a complaint about substandard living conditions with DBI using the online "Report a building problem" form at https://www.sf.gov/report-building-problem/ or by calling 311. You need the property address and a description of the problem; your name and contact information are optional, so you can file anonymously, but complaint records are public. An inspector is sent within 72 hours, and if a violation is found DBI issues a notice of violation to the owner. For questions, call Housing Inspection Services at 628-652-3700 (leave a voicemail with your street address) or email DBI.HID.Complaints@sfgov.org. Community partner organizations can also help tenants notify the landlord and work with DBI. — 628-652-3700
Santa Ana, California: City of Santa Ana Planning and Building Agency, Code Enforcement Division — Report building, property maintenance or other code violations, including unsafe rental conditions, with the Code Enforcement Division's online complaint form at https://santa-ana.gov/submit-a-complaint-online/. Each complaint gets a case number and is assigned to an inspector. For a problem happening now, call (714) 667-2780; you can also leave complaint information on that line 24 hours a day. — (714) 667-2780
Santa Monica, California: City of Santa Monica Code Enforcement Division — Ask the landlord for repairs in writing and keep a copy. If the landlord does not respond, report substandard housing or habitability problems to Code Enforcement through the City's 311 system at https://311.santamonica.gov/csp (property maintenance forms are available), by phone at (310) 458-4984, or by email to code.enforcement@santamonica.gov. Include your name and contact information, the property address and a detailed description. On weekends, follow the voicemail prompts; for urgent after-hours problems, use the Santa Monica Police Department non-emergency line. If an officer finds a unit uninhabitable, the landlord may be ordered to pay tenant relocation benefits. Tenants in rent-controlled units may also apply to the Rent Control Board for a rent decrease, (310) 458-8751. — (310) 458-4984
Aurora, Colorado: City of Aurora Housing and Community Services Department, Neighborhood Support Division (Code Enforcement) — A tenant, owner or manager can ask for a complaint-based inspection by a code enforcement officer by contacting Access Aurora at 303.739.7000 (phone hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday) or online at https://www.auroragov.org/cms/one.aspx?pageId=16394020 (AuroraGov.org/ContactUs). The Access Aurora mobile app also takes code violation reports. If the problem is inside a home, your name and phone number are required. For emergencies, call 911. — 303.739.7000
Boulder, Colorado: City of Boulder Planning & Development Services (Rental Housing Licensing) — The city encourages tenants to raise the problem with the landlord first; the Community Mediation Program (303-441-4364) can help. To report a rental housing code violation, call 303-441-1880 or file online through the city's Inquire Boulder portal (https://user.govoutreach.com/boulder/faq.php?classificationId=23316). For police non-emergencies call 303-441-3333; for emergencies call 9-1-1. — 303-441-1880
Colorado Springs, Colorado: City of Colorado Springs Neighborhood Services (Code Enforcement) — File a code enforcement complaint online and choose the category 'Housing Concerns (Tenants, Unsafe Living Conditions)', or report through the city's GoCOS service portal or mobile app. Neighborhood Services can also be reached at (719) 444-7891, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. — (719) 444-7891
Denver, Colorado: Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE), which governs the city's minimum housing standards — To file a housing complaint, call 3-1-1 (720-913-1311 from outside Denver), 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday. TTY: (720) 913-8479. For urgently unsafe conditions call Denver Police non-emergency at (720) 913-2000; for emergencies call 9-1-1. — 720-913-1311
Hartford, Connecticut: City of Hartford Department of Development Services, Division of Licenses and Inspections (housing code inspection requests are taken through Hartford 311) — Request a Housing Code Inspection through Hartford 311, either by phone at (860) 757-9311 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or with the online request forms on the Hartford 311 page. Report loss of essential services (no heat, hot water, gas or electricity) with the 'Urgent' form; report other problems such as pests or mold with the 'Non-Urgent' form. Development Services can be reached at (860) 757-9072. — (860) 757-9311
Jacksonville, Florida: City of Jacksonville Municipal Code Compliance Division (Neighborhoods Department) — Call (904) 630-CITY (2489) and a customer service representative will route the request to a Code Compliance Officer. Or file online through the MyJax portal (Property service type, then 'Create Request' under 'House or Unit Issues'; a MyJax account is required), or email myjax@custhelp.com with the subject line 'New Service Request for MCCD - House or Unit Issue'. Include details of the problem and the best times and ways to reach you. — (904) 630-CITY (2489)
Miami, Florida: City of Miami Department of Code Compliance — Call 311, or call Code Compliance at (305) 416-2087 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or the after-hours line at (786) 457-0995, or email CodeCompliance@MiamiGov.com. Include a brief description of the violation, the property address, and your name and address. Under Florida law (Fla. Stat. 125.69), anonymous complaints are not accepted. — (305) 416-2087
Orlando, Florida: City of Orlando Code Enforcement & Compliance — Report unsafe conditions and other city code violations online with the city's 'Report a Code Enforcement Issue' tool, by phone at 407.246.2686, by email to codeenforcement@orlando.gov, or in person at Orlando City Hall, 1st floor, 400 South Orange Avenue. Under Florida law (Fla. Stat. 162.21), you must give your name and address or the city cannot investigate. Code Enforcement does not handle landlord-tenant disputes or mold inside a home. — 407.246.2686
St. Petersburg, Florida: City of St. Petersburg Codes Compliance Assistance Department — First ask your landlord to make the repair as your lease requires. If the landlord does not fix it within a reasonable time, call Codes Compliance Assistance at 727-893-7373 to request an inspection, and ask for a copy of any violation notice. The city's online Renter's Map shows a unit's history of interior code violations and evictions; Codes Compliance can also give the history for a specific address. — 727-893-7373
Tampa, Florida: City of Tampa Neighborhood Enhancement (Code Enforcement) — Call Neighborhood Enhancement at 813-274-5545, or file a rental structure or maintenance complaint online through the City's Accela portal (there are separate complaint types for buildings with up to 4 units and with 5 or more units). — 813-274-5545
Atlanta, Georgia: City of Atlanta (housing and property maintenance complaints are taken through ATL311) — Contact ATL311: call 3-1-1 or 404-546-0311 (Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to midnight), email atl311@atlantaga.gov, submit a case online through the ATL311 website, or use the ATL311 mobile app. TTY/relay users can dial 711 (Georgia Relay). — 404-546-0311
Honolulu, Hawaii: City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) — File a Request for Investigation (RFI) through HNL Build. Logging in to the HNL Build user portal lets you track the investigation; you can also submit without logging in, but then you cannot track its status. Complaints are handled as confidential and the requester remains anonymous. DPP contact: (808) 768-8000, dpp@honolulu.gov, 650 South King Street, 7th Floor, Honolulu. — (808) 768-8000
Boise, Idaho: City of Boise Planning and Development Services, Code Compliance — First ask your landlord or property manager for the repair in writing and keep a copy. If it is not fixed within a reasonable time, complete the city's Substandard Housing Inspection Request form (English or Spanish) and send it to Code Compliance by email at cccr@cityofboise.org, or call 208-972-8150, option 4. Complaints must be filed within 6 months of the problem. The city inspects health and safety conditions such as fire safety, doors and windows, electrical, plumbing, heating (68 F in winter), structural defects and weatherproofing, and common areas and exits. It does not investigate mold, air conditioning, asbestos, lead paint, radon, pet stains or odors, or general maintenance. — 208-972-8150, option 4
Evanston, Illinois: City of Evanston Community Development Department, Building & Development Services (Property Standards) — Tenants and owners can report Property Maintenance Code violations through the City's 311 system: call 311 or (847) 448-4311, or submit a 311 service request online. Complaint inspections are free. — (847) 448-4311
Des Moines, Iowa: City of Des Moines Neighborhood Services, Neighborhood Inspections Division (NID) — First give the owner or management agent written notice of the problem; they have seven days to address it. If it is not fixed, contact the Neighborhood Inspections Division at (515) 283-4046 or nid@dmgov.org and provide a copy of the notice. The City sends the owner a Notice of Complaint allowing seven more days; if problems remain, tell the division, and the City inspects and issues a Notice of Violation. Timelines can be shortened for emergencies. Office: City Hall, 1200 Locust St., Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. — (515) 283-4046
Wichita, Kansas: Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD), Neighborhood Inspections division — Report Minimum Housing Code (City Code Chapter 20) violations in Wichita by calling MABCD Neighborhood Inspections at (316) 660-9220, through the MABCD online portal (reports can be made anonymously through its Customer Service link), or by contacting your Neighborhood Housing Inspector. — (316) 660-9220
Lexington, Kentucky: Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, Division of Code Enforcement (Housing Advocacy and Community Development) — Report a suspected code violation through LexCall: call (859) 425-2255, dial 311 from within Lexington, or submit a LexCall online service request. Safety issues are handled first. Code Enforcement can also be reached at code_enforcement@lexingtonky.gov or 101 E. Vine St., Suite 500 (Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.). — (859) 425-2255
Baton Rouge, Louisiana: City of Baton Rouge / Parish of East Baton Rouge Department of Development, Neighborhood Improvement — Report code violations by calling 311. The complaint is routed to the appropriate department and inspected for blight violations. If a violation is found, the owner receives a notice to fix it within 15 days and is assigned a Blight Court date. Questions about blight notices go to the Department of Development, Neighborhood Improvement at 225-389-8680. — 225-389-8680
New Orleans, Louisiana: City of New Orleans Department of Code Enforcement (Healthy Homes inspections) and the Healthy Homes Administration, Department of Safety and Permits — Report Healthy Homes or rental-condition violations by calling 3-1-1 or submitting a complaint online at nola311.org; for language assistance call (504) 539-3266. A Healthy Homes Inspector in the Department of Code Enforcement reviews the unit against the Minimum Rental Standards; if non-trivial violations are found, the unit fails and the owner must complete professional repairs. Code Enforcement: (504) 658-5050; enforcement questions: healthyhomesenforcement@nola.gov. — (504) 658-5050
Baltimore, Maryland: Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) — Report housing code problems through Baltimore 311: call 3-1-1 within Baltimore City or (443) 263-2220 from outside the city, or submit a report online through the Baltimore 311 portal. DHCD enforces the Property Maintenance Code. — (443) 263-2220
Boston, Massachusetts: City of Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD) — To report a housing or unsafe living conditions problem, contact Boston 311 by phone or through the 311 online service request app. Inspectional Services can also be reached at 617-635-5300 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.), isd@boston.gov, or 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 5th Floor. — 617-635-5300
Ann Arbor, Michigan: City of Ann Arbor Building, Rental and Inspection Services, Rental Housing Services — First contact your landlord or management company and give them time to make corrections; the City cannot accept a complaint until you have done this. If the problem is not resolved in a timely manner, contact Rental Housing at 734.794.6264 or rentalhousing@a2gov.org to request a complaint form, with your name, phone number, address, the specific issues and when you notified your landlord. The office notifies the landlord, and if the violation persists an inspector will contact you to schedule an inspection. — 734.794.6264
Grand Rapids, Michigan: City of Grand Rapids Code Compliance — File an Interior Housing Complaint online through the City's Citizen Access portal (you can file anonymously without logging in, or create an account to track the case), call Code Compliance at 616-456-3053, or go in person to 1120 Monroe Ave NW, Suite 300. Have the property address and a description of the problem ready. Once a complaint is accepted, the City sends a letter to the owner, who gets 21 days to fix non-hazardous problems before an on-site inspection. Hazards are inspected as soon as possible. — 616-456-3053
Minneapolis, Minnesota: City of Minneapolis Regulatory Services — First notify the property owner in writing and keep a record; non-emergency repairs should be fixed within 14 days. If they are not, contact Minneapolis 311 by calling 311 or 612-673-3000 (7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday), by email at minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov, or online through 311 by choosing "Rental unit issue." A Regulatory Services inspector follows up. Reports can be anonymous, and renters worried about retaliation can ask 311 to connect them with a Housing Liaison. For no heat when 311 is closed, call 911. — 612-673-3000
St. Paul, Minnesota: Saint Paul Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) — File a complaint online through the City's Report a Concern / incident form portal, or call DSI at 651-266-8989 (weekdays 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the call center is closed 8 to 9 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month). You can also go in person to Saint Paul City Hall, 15 Kellogg Blvd. West. An inspector checks the property for violations, and a re-inspection generally follows within seven days. The City keeps complainants' personal information confidential. Complaint status can be checked in the City's Open Data Portal under "Resident Service Requests." — 651-266-8989
St. Louis, Missouri: City of St. Louis Building Division, Department of Public Safety — Request an interior residential property inspection for possible building or health violations online through the City's service request page, or call 314-622-4800. You receive an email with a request ID number to check the request's status. Fees may apply for some inspections. Exterior problems use a separate exterior inspection request. Building Division general contact: (314) 622-3313, dps-building-division@stlouis-mo.gov. — 314-622-4800
Lincoln, Nebraska: City of Lincoln Building and Safety (Planning and Development Services), Residential Rental and Property Maintenance / Housing Section — Contact the landlord or property manager first. If nothing is done, call Building and Safety at 402-441-7521 with the property's street address and a detailed description of the problem, or report it online or by mobile app through UPLNK, the City's platform for non-emergency quality-of-life issues. A City Housing Inspector visits and determines whether there is a violation. — 402-441-7521
Las Vegas, Nevada: City of Las Vegas Code Enforcement Division — Call Code Enforcement at 702.229.6615 and select #3 (Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.), email CodeEnforcement@lasvegasnevada.gov, or submit the City's online Request for Assistance form. Code Enforcement responds to complaints about a lack of heat, air conditioning or adequate plumbing, unpermitted work, electrical issues and infestations in a dwelling unit. It does not handle mold or civil, criminal and financial disputes between landlords and tenants; the Southern Nevada Health District's Landlord Tenant Hotline is (702) 895-1971. — 702.229.6615
Reno, Nevada: City of Reno Code Enforcement — For non-essential problems (such as a cracked window, missing door handles or missing screens), first give the landlord the City's written 14-Day Notice to Landlord and allow 14 days for repairs; if the problem is not fixed, report it. Problems with essential services (hot water, a working toilet or water supply, raw sewage, permanent heat) can be reported right away. Report through Reno Direct at 775-334-4636 or the City's online reporting portal, which has a housing category. Housing complaints cannot be anonymous, because officers need the tenant's permission to enter, but officers do not disclose the reporting party to landlords. To check on an open case, call the Code Enforcement message line at 775-334-2229 (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). — 775-334-4636
Jersey City, New Jersey: Jersey City Department of Housing, Economic Development & Commerce (HEDC), which enforces building and housing codes; the Office of Code Compliance (Office of the Municipal Prosecutor) enforces municipal property codes — Report potential code violations to the City's Resident Response Center at (201) 547-4900 (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or through the City's SeeClickFix online reporting tool; the Center records the complaint and forwards it to the right department for follow-up. In-person locations: 280 Grove Street (basement) and 4 Jackson Square (39 Kearney Ave). Tenants in rent-controlled units who want a rent reduction because of building or apartment conditions can file a Failure to Maintain Service Petition with the Office of Landlord/Tenant Relations, (201) 547-4821, after serving a copy on the landlord. — (201) 547-4900
Albuquerque, New Mexico: City of Albuquerque Planning Department, Code Enforcement Division — Report housing code violations to ABQ 311 by calling 311 or 505-768-2000, through the 311 online form, or with the free 311 mobile app. 311 routes the complaint to Code Enforcement for follow-up and investigation; resolution times vary by department and severity. The Code Enforcement counter is at Plaza Del Sol, 4th Floor, Suite 500 (505-924-3860, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday). — 505-768-2000
New York City, New York: NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) — Tell your landlord or property owner first. If the problem is not fixed, file a housing quality or safety complaint (for example heat, hot water, leaks, mold or pests) with 311: call 311 (TTY (212) 504-4115), use 311 online, or use the 311 mobile app. You will get a Service Request number you can use to check the status of your complaint, including through HPDONLINE. HPD inspects and can issue Housing Maintenance Code violations. — 311 (TTY (212) 504-4115)
Rochester, New York: City of Rochester Department of Neighborhood and Business Development, Bureau of Buildings and Compliance (Division of Code Enforcement) — Report property code complaints by phone: call 311 (or (585) 428-5990 from a cell phone or outside the city), the Bureau of Buildings and Compliance at (585) 428-6520, or your area's Neighborhood Service Center: Northwest (585) 428-7620, Southwest (585) 428-7630, Northeast (585) 428-7660, Southeast (585) 428-7640. For problems inside a unit, staff will ask whether you live there and whether you have contacted the owner, try to resolve it by phone, and otherwise schedule an inspection. If a violation threatens health or safety, the owner is issued a Notice and Order to fix it by a deadline. — (585) 428-6520
Charlotte, North Carolina: City of Charlotte Housing and Neighborhood Services, Code Enforcement — Contact your landlord or property manager first and keep records (texts, emails, written requests). Then call 311 (704-336-7600) to request a housing inspection under the Minimum Housing Code. Housing code complaints cannot be filed through the CLT+ app or the online service request site; those are for other neighborhood and zoning issues. — 311 / 704-336-7600
Raleigh, North Carolina: City of Raleigh Housing and Community Development Department, Code Enforcement Division — Call Code Enforcement at 919-996-2444 or use the City's online Report a Code Violation service to request an inspection of an apartment or house for minimum housing code violations. For other housing questions, the Housing and Community Development Department is at 919-996-4330 or housing@raleighnc.gov. — 919-996-2444
Akron, Ohio: City of Akron Department of Neighborhood Assistance, Housing Compliance Division — Report a possible housing code violation by calling 3-1-1, calling the Housing Compliance Division at 330-375-2366, or completing the City's fillable housing code complaint form and emailing it to HousingCodeComplaints@akronohio.gov. — 330-375-2366
Cincinnati, Ohio: City of Cincinnati Department of Buildings & Inspections, Property Maintenance Code Enforcement — Report property maintenance and housing code violations to Buildings & Inspections through 311: call 311 within city limits or 513-765-1212 from anywhere (24/7), use the 311Cincy app, or use the online 'Register A Complaint' service request at https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/311/. — 311 / 513-765-1212
Cleveland, Ohio: City of Cleveland Department of Building & Housing, Division of Code Enforcement — Report housing code violations by calling 3-1-1 or 216-664-2000 to reach the City's Citizen Support Specialists, or email Cleveland311@clevelandohio.gov. The Division of Code Enforcement can also be reached at (216) 664-2007 or (216) 664-7582. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies. — 311 / 216-664-2000
Columbus, Ohio: City of Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services, Code Enforcement — Report housing code violations to Code Enforcement through Columbus 311: submit a request online (https://www.columbus.gov/Services/Submit-a-Request-or-Report-311), use the 311 mobile app, or call 311 (the City's main line is (614) 645-3111). You can look up the status of a 311 request online. — 311 / (614) 645-3111
Toledo, Ohio: City of Toledo Department of Housing and Community Development, Code Compliance Division — Report property maintenance or structural problems at an occupied property to Code Compliance at 419-245-1400 (Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.), or through Engage Toledo by calling 419-936-2020 or using the online Report a Structure Concern form (https://toledo.oh.gov/engage-toledo/report-structure-concern). Have the property address and a description of the problem ready; a photo is optional. — 419-245-1400
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: City of Oklahoma City Development Services Department, Code Enforcement — Report code violations to the Oklahoma City Action Center: call (405) 297-2535 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.), email action.center@okc.gov, text (405) 252-1053 with the address or nearest intersection and a description, report online through the Action Center, or use the city's mobile app. For police or public safety emergencies, call 911. — (405) 297-2535
Tulsa, Oklahoma: City of Tulsa Code Enforcement (Planning and Neighborhoods) — Report all code and property maintenance violations to Tulsa 311: call 311 or (918) 596-7777, report online through Tulsa 311, or use the Tulsa311 app (Android or iPhone). Be ready to give the property's physical address and your name, which the city keeps confidential. Covered problems include missing required utilities and defects in roofs, windows, exterior walls, stairs and porches, and electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems. Case status can be checked at www.cityoftulsa.org/code. — (918) 596-7777
Portland, Oregon: Portland Permitting & Development, Code Enforcement (Property Compliance Services and Inspections) — Report residential maintenance and other property code violations online with the City's 'Report a property code violation' form (one report per property), or call the Property Compliance Help Line at 503-823-2633, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Oregon Relay Service: 711). Reporter information is kept confidential unless you choose to waive it on the form. The City's general line, 311 or 503-823-4000, can also connect you. Case progress can be checked on PortlandMaps. — 503-823-2633
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: City of Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) — L&I responds to complaints about code violations, including property maintenance problems. Report through Philly311: call 311 or (215) 686-8686, or submit a 311 request online. For hearings on rental properties alleged to be unsafe or in poor condition, tenants can also contact the Philadelphia Fair Housing Commission. — (215) 686-8686
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: City of Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI), Code Enforcement — Report code violations to Pittsburgh 311: call 311 from within the City, or 412-255-2621 from outside the City, or use the electronic complaint form on the City's 311 page. Requests can also be texted or tweeted. Requests are anonymous, and each one prompts an inspection by a PLI Code Enforcement Inspector. — 412-255-2621
Providence, Rhode Island: City of Providence Department of Inspection and Standards (DIS), Code Enforcement Division — Report minimum housing problems to PVD311, the City's constituent service line: call 3-1-1, email pvd311@providenceri.gov, or submit a report online through PVD311. Give the exact address, a description of the problem and a phone number. The case is assigned to DIS, and an inspector contacts you to start an investigation. You can also call DIS Code Enforcement at 401.680.5201 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in July and August), 780 Allens Avenue. If violations are found, the owner gets a warning notice, then a first Notice of Violation; if problems remain at re-inspection about 30 days later, a second notice issues with daily fines, and the case may be prosecuted in Housing Court. Inspectors enforce the Rhode Island Property Maintenance Code. — 401.680.5201
Sioux Falls, South Dakota: City of Sioux Falls Property Maintenance (code enforcement); Environmental Health handles waste, rubbish and nuisance complaints — First document the problem (photos, date, time and exact address), check your lease, and contact the owner or manager. If the problem is not fixed, file a complaint with the City through its online request portal by choosing 'Report a Concern (Property Maintenance)', or call the Property Maintenance team at 605-978-6900. For garbage, rubbish, nuisance vegetation and similar issues, call Environmental Health at 605-367-8760. City inspectors contact the owner or manager and visit the property, so be ready to let them into your unit. If a violation is found, the inspector issues a notice of violation; unfixed violations lead to citations with increasing fines, and after three citations the case goes to the City Attorney's Office. — 605-978-6900
Memphis, Tennessee: City of Memphis Division of Housing/Code Enforcement — Report unsafe housing conditions, including emergencies such as no running water, no heat or raw sewage, to Housing Code Enforcement at 901-636-7464. For other complaints (abandoned houses, vehicles, junk), call the Mayor's Citizen Service Center (Memphis 311) at 901-636-6500, Monday to Friday, or submit a request online through the Memphis 311 portal at https://memphistn.gov/call-311/. The City enforces the International Property Maintenance Code as amended for Memphis (Ordinance No. 5708), which sets minimum housing standards for existing dwellings. — 901-636-7464
Nashville, Tennessee: Metro Nashville Codes Department, Property Standards Division — Report a codes violation, including unsafe or unsanitary rental conditions, online through hubNashville ('Report a Codes Violation'), or by calling 311 or 615-862-5000. The Codes Department can also be reached at 615-862-6500, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. — 615-862-6500
Arlington, Texas: City of Arlington Code Compliance Division — Report code violations to the City's Action Center at 817-459-6777, online through the Action Center, or with the Ask Arlington app. Written complaints can be mailed to City of Arlington Code Compliance Division, P.O. Box 90231, MS 63-0600, Arlington, TX 76004-3231. For emergencies, call 911. — 817-459-6777
Austin, Texas: City of Austin Development Services Department, Code Compliance — Report code violations, including unsafe rental conditions, to Austin 3-1-1: call 3-1-1 (or 512-974-2000 from outside the area), use the Austin 3-1-1 app, or submit an online service request. Reports can be anonymous. Code Compliance opens a case and assigns an inspector; if a violation is confirmed, the owner is given a deadline to fix it and may be cited if it is not fixed. Target response times range from 1 hour for emergencies to 4 days for maintenance issues. For general questions or case updates, call Code Connect at 512-974-2633. Details: https://www.austintexas.gov/services/report-code-violation — 512-974-2000
Dallas, Texas: City of Dallas Code Compliance Department — Report code violations, including substandard rental conditions under the City's minimum property standards (Dallas City Code Chapter 27), to Dallas 311: dial 3-1-1 inside the city limits or (214) 670-3111 from outside, or report online through the Dallas 311 portal. Questions about apartment complexes can go to the Code Compliance Multi-Tenant Inspection/Pool Program at (214) 671-2791, and questions about single-family, duplex and condo rentals to the Single Family Rental Registration office at (214) 671-RENT (7368) or ccsrentalprogram@dallascityhall.com. — (214) 670-3111
El Paso, Texas: City of El Paso Code Enforcement Department — Report property maintenance and other code violations, including substandard rental conditions, through El Paso 311: call 3-1-1 from a home or mobile phone or (915) 212-0134, or use the 311 web app. You can report with an account to receive updates and track your reports, or report anonymously. — (915) 212-0134
Fort Worth, Texas: City of Fort Worth Code Compliance Department (Multi-Family Inspection Section for apartment communities) — Report code violations, including unsafe or unsanitary rental conditions, online through the City's code violation reporting page (https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/calendar-services/report/code-violations) or the MyFW app, or call City Hall at 817-392-1234. Rental inspection results can be looked up by complex name or address from the Rental Property page. — 817-392-1234
Houston, Texas: Houston Permitting Center, Multi-Family Habitability Inspections (City of Houston) — Report apartment habitability problems to Houston 311: call 311 or 713.837.0311 (24/7), email 311@houstontx.gov, use the Houston 311 app, or submit a request online through 311.houstontx.gov. You can also contact Multi-Family Habitability Inspections directly at 832-394-8841, hpc.habitability@houstontx.gov, or in person at 1002 Washington Ave., 1st Floor, Houston, TX 77002. Inspectors mainly check building exteriors and common areas such as stairways, balconies, railings, exterior lighting and walkways. — 832-394-8841
San Antonio, Texas: City of San Antonio Development Services Department, Code Enforcement Section — Report substandard housing and property maintenance code violations by calling 3-1-1 or 210-207-6000, or online through the City's 311 service request page (https://www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/311/Services/Request). In-person service is at the Cliff Morton Development and Business Services Center, 1901 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78204. — 210-207-6000
Salt Lake City, Utah: Salt Lake City Building Services, Civil Enforcement — Report unsafe rental housing conditions (such as missing smoke alarms, broken windows, blocked exits, or plumbing and mechanical problems) to Civil Enforcement through the City's mySLC "Request or Report" portal at https://www.myslc.gov/s/. Civil Enforcement generally acts after a problem is reported and can enforce the Housing Code on any rental property.
Burlington, Vermont: City of Burlington Department of Permitting & Inspections, Housing Division — First ask the landlord in writing to make repairs and allow a reasonable time. If repairs are not made, call Permitting & Inspections at 802-863-0442 to set up a complaint inspection, or file a complaint online through the department's complaint form (https://burlingtonvt.portal.opengov.com/categories/1090/record-types/6575). Lack of heat (with utilities on and no supplemental heat provided) is treated as an emergency. The office is at 645 Pine Street, Burlington, VT 05401. — 802-863-0442
Richmond, Virginia: City of Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review, Property Maintenance and Code Enforcement Division — Report housing and property maintenance code problems to the Property Maintenance and Code Enforcement Division by phone at 804-646-6398, by email at PropertyMaintenance@rva.gov, or through RVA311 (https://www.rva311.com/rvaone/Home/Index). In-person: 900 E. Broad St., Room G-12, Richmond, VA 23219, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 804-646-6398
Seattle, Washington: Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) — First notify your landlord in writing and keep a copy. If repairs are not made, call the Renting in Seattle helpline at (206) 684-5700 or submit an online complaint through the SDCI portal (https://cosaccela.seattle.gov/Portal/Welcome.aspx). An SDCI inspector will visit to look at the problem and contact the landlord to arrange the repair. — (206) 684-5700
Spokane, Washington: City of Spokane Code Enforcement — Report rental problems such as no hot water, exposed wiring, water leaks or poor weatherproofing to Code Enforcement by calling 311 or 509.755.CITY (2489), 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday (staff can file the complaint for you), or online at www.spokane311.org through the Code & Parking Online Complaint Form (https://myspokane311.my.site.com/citizen/s/?c__st=CECODECPNT). — 509-755-2489
Tacoma, Washington: City of Tacoma Neighborhood and Community Services, Housing Division (Landlord-Tenant Program) — Tenants should first raise the problem with the landlord in writing. To report a Rental Housing Code (TMC 1.95) violation, call Tacoma FIRST 311 (dial 311 from a 253 area code phone, or (253) 591-5000), or fill out the online intake form (https://seeclickfix.com/web_portal/Mx4UcnjshtJ83uMYFA2D58p5/report/category/78600/location). The Housing Division can also be reached at TacomaRHC@tacoma.gov. For an existing case, have the case number or address ready. — (253) 591-5000
Madison, Wisconsin: City of Madison Department of Planning & Community & Economic Development, Building Inspection Division — If your landlord is not making timely repairs, current tenants can file an interior property complaint (electrical, plumbing, heating, security and more) online through Building Inspection's complaint page (https://www.cityofmadison.com/dpced/building-inspection/file-a-complaint). You can also call 608-266-4551, email BInspection@cityofmadison.com, or visit 215 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Suite 017, Madison, WI 53703 (Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., by appointment only). — 608-266-4551
Milwaukee, Wisconsin: City of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS)

State agencies

Alabama: The Attorney General's Consumer Interest Division takes consumer complaints online and through its hotline, 1-800-392-5658 or 334-242-7335. Alabama Attorney General, Consumer Complaint
Alaska: Alaska has no statewide landlord-tenant complaint agency listed in the Department of Law's handbook. The handbook points tenants to the Alaska Court System's free Eviction Diversion mediation program (907-264-0883), the Alaska Real Estate Commission for complaints about property managers (907-269-8124, investigations@alaska.gov), and the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights for discrimination (800-478-4692). Alaska Department of Law, The Alaska Landlord & Tenant Act: What It Means to You, pp. 39-40
Arizona: The Arizona Attorney General's Consumer Information and Complaints Unit reviews consumer complaints about deceptive or unfair business practices, online or by mail (Phoenix 602-542-5763, Tucson 520-628-6648). It does not act as a tenant's lawyer. Arizona Attorney General, File a Consumer Complaint
Arkansas: The Attorney General's landlord-tenant page tells tenants with health or safety problems to contact their city to find out whether the home meets housing codes. The Attorney General's office also takes consumer complaints (101 West Capitol Avenue, Little Rock; 501-682-2007). Arkansas Attorney General, Landlord and Tenant Rights
California: The Attorney General tells tenants whose landlord refuses to make repairs to report unsafe or unhealthy conditions to the local code enforcement office, building department or health department, which should inspect and order repairs (call 211, or 311 in some cities, if unsure which agency). The Attorney General's Housing Justice Team also takes housing complaints and tips through its online form, though it cannot represent individuals. Housing discrimination complaints go to the California Civil Rights Department. California Attorney General, Know Your Rights as a California Tenant: Habitability; oag.ca.gov/housing
Colorado: The Colorado Attorney General takes complaints about housing and rentals, including habitability and safety, through its online complaint page. The Attorney General can sue landlords who engage in a pattern or practice of violating the habitability law, or intervene in a tenant's case. Housing discrimination complaints go to the Colorado Civil Rights Division. Colorado Attorney General, File a Complaint; C.R.S. § 38-12-512
Connecticut: The Judicial Branch tells tenants with utility or condition problems to contact the local health department or housing code office, which can contact the landlord and inspect. Tenants in towns with a Fair Rent Commission can file a complaint there about rent made unfair by illegal unsafe or unhealthy conditions. A tenant may also sue in the Superior Court housing session to make the landlord perform repair duties and may pay rent into court. Connecticut Judicial Branch, Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants in Connecticut (JDP-HM-31, rev. 1/26); Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-14h
Delaware: The Delaware Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit publishes the Landlord-Tenant Code summary and answers questions (302-577-8600 New Castle County; 800-220-5424 Kent and Sussex), but it cannot act as a tenant's lawyer. Either side may sue in court for breach of the lease or the Code. Delaware Attorney General, Consumer Protection Unit, Landlord-Tenant Code summary (Oct. 2024)
District of Columbia: Tenants may ask the Department of Buildings to inspect their unit and are entitled to a copy of any notice of violation issued to the landlord (Department of Buildings, 1100 4th Street SW; 202-671-3500; dob.dc.gov). The Office of the Tenant Advocate helps with tenant rights and remedies (899 North Capitol Street NE, Suite 6200; 202-719-6560; ota.dc.gov). Rent control matters go to the Department of Housing and Community Development (202-442-7200) and discrimination complaints to the Office of Human Rights (202-727-4559). D.C. Office of the Tenant Advocate, Tenant Bill of Rights (Form OTA 2026.09.25), §§ 7 and resource list
Florida: The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) takes landlord/tenant complaints through its consumer complaint portal (complaints.fdacs.gov) and its consumer hotline, 1-800-435-7352. A landlord may not evict a tenant solely in retaliation for complaining to a government agency about code violations. FDACS, Landlord/Tenant Law in Florida
Georgia: For repair and code problems, the state handbook tells tenants to contact the local county or city housing code inspector; retaliation for calling code enforcement is illegal. The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division says the State cannot step into a landlord-tenant dispute or force either side to act; it points tenants to the handbook, legal aid, and the local magistrate court. Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook (rev. 8-29-24), pp. 11-12; Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, Landlord-Tenant Issues and Handbook
Hawaii: If a landlord does not fix a condition that may violate a state or county health or safety law, the state handbook tells tenants to call the Department of Health or another appropriate state or county agency and ask for an inspection. If a violation is found, the agency notifies the landlord in writing, and the landlord must start repairs within seven calendar days. For questions, the Office of Consumer Protection's Residential Landlord-Tenant Center answers calls at (808) 586-2634. Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Office of Consumer Protection, Landlord-Tenant Handbook (2024), p. 7; HRS § 521-64
Idaho: The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division answers landlord-tenant questions and handles consumer complaints, such as a landlord misrepresenting that repairs were needed ((208) 334-2424; in Idaho (800) 432-3545). For repair problems, the manual explains that the tenant's main remedy is the written three-day notice followed by a court action for repairs and damages. Idaho Attorney General, Landlord and Tenant Manual (July 2026), pp. 12-13, 24, back cover
Illinois: The Attorney General's fact sheet tells tenants to check local ordinances and notes that the Retaliatory Eviction Act protects tenants who complain to a government authority such as a housing inspector. The Attorney General's offices take consumer inquiries (Chicago 312-814-3000; Springfield 217-782-1090; Carbondale 618-529-6400). Housing discrimination complaints go to the Illinois Department of Human Rights (1-800-662-3942). Illinois Attorney General, Landlord and Tenant Rights and Laws (01/24)
Indiana: The Indiana Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division takes consumer complaints online, including mortgage, foreclosure and tenant issues, and by phone at 1-800-457-8283. Housing discrimination complaints go to the Indiana Civil Rights Commission. Indiana Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division, File a Complaint; IHCDA, Renter's Rights
Iowa: The Iowa Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division takes consumer complaints online or by phone (515-281-5926; 888-777-4590 outside the Des Moines area). The office represents the public interest, cannot act as a private attorney for an individual, and may refer a matter to another agency or a county attorney. Iowa Attorney General, File a Consumer Complaint
Kentucky: The Kentucky Attorney General's office says landlord-tenant disputes, including evictions, security deposits, bugs, smells and mold, are not part of its consumer mediation services, because they are private legal matters; it points tenants to private lawyers, legal aid and lawyer referral services (Kentucky Bar Association 502-564-3795). Kentucky Attorney General, Consumer Complaints
Louisiana: The Attorney General's guide says a tenant whose landlord refuses to make necessary repairs after notice can file a dispute with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section (1-800-351-4889), and can complain to local building officials about a structural or hazardous defect. Housing discrimination complaints can be filed with the Attorney General's fair housing unit online. Louisiana Attorney General, Moving In and Moving Out (landlord-tenant guide); Louisiana Attorney General, Public Protection
Maine: The Maine Attorney General tells tenants with complaints about the condition of their home to contact the local code enforcement office; municipalities enforce life-safety codes for housing and can inspect and order landlords to fix violations that affect health and safety. Tenants who believe a landlord is breaking the law can file a complaint through the Attorney General's online consumer complaint service. Discrimination complaints go to the Maine Human Rights Commission (207-624-6290). Maine Attorney General, Tenant Rights
Maryland: Housing quality problems are reported to the local housing code enforcement office; every county must have a housing code meeting minimum statewide standards, and local authorities investigate and can cite the landlord. The Department of Housing and Community Development's Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs helps tenants understand their rights, routes violations to the right enforcement agency, and refers tenants to legal services, but it cannot give legal advice or mediate. The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division has a Mediation Unit for landlord disputes (410-528-8662; toll-free 888-743-0023). Maryland DHCD, Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs; Maryland Attorney General, Landlords and Tenants: Tips on Avoiding Disputes
Massachusetts: Bad housing conditions are handled under the State Sanitary Code, which local boards of health enforce (in Boston, Worcester and Cambridge, the commissioner of housing inspection). A tenant may request an inspection; if conditions may endanger health, the tenant or the board may petition the district, housing or superior court, and a tenant may file even without an inspection if the request for one was made at least 24 hours earlier and none occurred. If a local board fails to enforce the code, the state Department of Public Health may enforce it. G.L. c. 111, §§ 127A, 127B, 127C
Michigan: The Legislature's guide tells tenants to check with the local city or county code enforcement office; many municipalities have housing codes, and some require regular rental inspections or licensing before a tenant moves in. Michigan Legislature, A Practical Guide for Tenants & Landlords (rev. 3/2026)
Minnesota: The Attorney General's handbook tells tenants who cannot get repairs to file a complaint with the local housing, health, energy or fire inspector, if there is one, and ask for an inspection. The inspector gives the landlord time to fix violations and can bring the landlord to court. If there is no local inspector, the tenant writes to the landlord requesting repairs within 14 days and may then file a rent escrow action. The Attorney General's office answers questions at (651) 296-3353 or (800) 657-3787. Minnesota Attorney General, Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities (rev. July 2025), pp. 14-15
Mississippi: The Mississippi Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division has consumer mediators who help with complaints about unfair or deceptive business practices; complaints are filed with an online form or by email. The Division lists the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act among the consumer laws it publishes. Main office: 550 High Street, Jackson; 601-359-3680. Mississippi Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division
Missouri: Missouri has no state housing-conditions agency for private rentals; unsafe conditions are reported to the city or county code-enforcement or health office. Deceptive or unfair business practices by a landlord can be reported to the Missouri Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division (online form or hotline 1-800-392-8222). Missouri Attorney General — Consumer Complaints
Montana: Montana has no state agency that takes landlord-tenant complaints. The Attorney General's Office of Consumer Protection says it does not handle landlord-tenant disputes and refers tenants to Montana Legal Services Association, MontanaLawHelp.org, and Montana Fair Housing (for discrimination). Unsafe conditions can be reported to the local city or county building, code or health office. Montana Department of Justice, Office of Consumer Protection — Tenants and Landlords
Nebraska: Nebraska has no state agency for housing-condition complaints in private rentals; unsafe conditions are handled by the local city or county housing-code or health office. The Nebraska Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division takes complaints about misleading or deceptive business practices (online form or by mail to 2115 State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509) after you have tried to resolve the issue with the business. Nebraska Attorney General — File a Consumer Complaint
Nevada: Nevada has no single state agency for rental-condition complaints; habitability problems are handled locally (city or county code enforcement) and through the courts. The Nevada Attorney General's Office accepts formal complaints only through the online complaint form on its Complaints page, and its tenant-rights resource sheet refers renters to the Tenant's Rights Center (Las Vegas (702) 383-6095; Reno (775) 284-3491 ext. 316), legal aid programs, and mediation centers. Nevada Attorney General — Tenant's Rights resources (revised 9/19/2024)
New Hampshire: New Hampshire has no single state agency for landlord complaints. Unsafe or unfit conditions are handled at the town or city level — through a local housing-code agency where one exists, or under the state minimum housing standards (RSA 48-A:14-15) where it does not. For a landlord's interference with quiet enjoyment, utility shutoffs or lockouts, a tenant can file a free petition directly in the local circuit court (district division), and the court must hold a hearing within 30 days of filing or 10 days of service, whichever is later. RSA 48-A:14-15; RSA 540-A:4, II, III, VI
New Jersey: For buildings with three or more rental units, file housing-code complaints (including heat and utility problems) with the NJ Department of Community Affairs, Bureau of Housing Inspection, at (609) 633-6241; it enforces the Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law statewide. For buildings with fewer than three units, contact the municipal building inspector or local health officer. Problems with utility shutoffs in tenant-occupied buildings whose owners failed to pay go to the Board of Public Utilities, (609) 777-3300. N.J.S.A. 55:13A-1 et seq.; NJ Department of Community Affairs, Truth in Renting guide ("Reporting Housing Code Violations")
New Mexico: New Mexico has no state agency for rental-condition complaints; unsafe conditions are handled by local code enforcement and through the courts. The New Mexico Department of Justice (Attorney General) Consumer Protection Bureau takes complaints about unfair and deceptive practices under the Unfair Practices Act, through its online complaint system or a paper complaint form. New Mexico Department of Justice — Consumer Affairs
New York: Repair and housing-code complaints go to local housing officials (in New York City, the city's housing code agency). Tenants in rent-stabilized or rent-controlled apartments can contact the NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal (Office of Rent Administration, 1-833-499-0343, or Rent Connect) about services, leases and rent, and may apply to DHCR for an order addressing reduced services. The NY Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Frauds and Protection takes rent security deposit complaints through its online form. NY Attorney General — Residential Tenants' Rights Guide; Multiple Dwelling Law §§ 78, 80; Multiple Residence Law § 174
North Carolina: Unsafe conditions or code violations are reported to local building, health, fire and safety inspectors, who can enforce the codes. For landlord-tenant disputes, the North Carolina Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division takes calls and complaints at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM (toll-free within NC) or through its online complaint form. North Carolina Department of Justice — Renting a Home
North Dakota: North Dakota has no state agency that takes landlord-tenant complaints: the Attorney General's office says it cannot take a complaint about, or mediate, landlord/tenant disputes. It refers tenants to Legal Services of North Dakota or a private attorney, small claims court forms from the ND Supreme Court, and the ND Department of Labor for housing discrimination complaints. Code violations are handled by local building or code officials. North Dakota Attorney General — Tenant Rights
Ohio: Ohio has no state agency that handles housing-condition complaints for private rentals; code violations are reported to the local city or county building, housing or health department. A tenant can also give the landlord written notice and, if repairs are not made within a reasonable time or 30 days, deposit rent with the municipal or county court clerk and ask the court to order repairs. Ohio Rev. Code 5321.07
Oklahoma: Oklahoma has no state agency for rental-condition complaints; unsafe conditions are handled by local code enforcement and through the courts under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. The Oklahoma Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit accepts consumer complaints through the complaint forms on its website, but does not list a landlord-tenant complaint process. Oklahoma Attorney General — Consumer Protection
Oregon: Oregon has no state agency that resolves private landlord-tenant disputes; habitability problems are handled by local code or health officials and through the courts. Residents of affordable housing monitored by Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) can submit a concern through OHCS's Share a Concern form after first contacting the property manager, though OHCS says it plays a limited role in issues governed by landlord-tenant law. Discrimination complaints go to the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI). Oregon Housing and Community Services — Resident Concerns and Complaints
Pennsylvania: Tenants with a landlord-tenant problem can file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection online or through its toll-free hotline, 800-441-2555 (or email scams@attorneygeneral.gov). Civil-rights (discrimination) complaints go to the AG's Civil Rights Enforcement Section, (717) 787-0822. Utility concerns go to the Office of Consumer Advocate, 1-800-684-6560. Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Consumer Guide to Tenant and Landlord Rights (complaint section)
Rhode Island: Housing standards in Rhode Island are enforced locally by towns and cities. Tenants can complain about conditions and ask their town or city to inspect the unit, usually by calling town or city hall. It is illegal for a landlord to retaliate against a tenant for complaining to code enforcement. Rhode Island Executive Office of Housing, Landlord Tenant Handbook (Sept. 2024)
South Carolina: South Carolina has no state agency that enforces housing conditions in private rentals; code problems go to the local city or county code office, and lease disputes go to magistrate's court. The SC Department of Consumer Affairs takes consumer complaints against businesses and will mediate with unregulated businesses or refer complaints to the right agency; it cannot handle disputes between individuals or matters already in court. Phone 1-800-922-1594 (toll-free in SC) or 803-734-4200. SC Department of Consumer Affairs — complaint form instructions
South Dakota: For health or safety problems in a rental, the South Dakota Attorney General's consumer protection office directs tenants to the local building inspector or the state or local health department. The Attorney General's role in landlord-tenant disputes is limited: it cannot give legal advice or represent individual tenants, and suggests a private attorney or small claims court for other disputes. South Dakota Attorney General, Consumer Protection — Landlord/Tenant Fast Facts
Tennessee: Tenants in counties covered by the Landlord-Tenant Act can file a complaint with the Tennessee Attorney General's Division of Consumer Affairs, which will contact the landlord and offer mediation; if the landlord does not agree to mediate, legal action is the usual next step. Unsafe-condition complaints go to the local city or county codes office. Tennessee Attorney General — Consumer Laws (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act)
Texas: Texas has no state agency that resolves individual landlord-tenant disputes. For repairs affecting health or safety, a tenant can ask a justice of the peace court (no lawyer required) to order repairs costing up to $10,000. The Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division accepts complaints about false, misleading or deceptive business practices. Texas Attorney General, Renter's Rights; Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0563
Utah: Utah has no state agency that takes housing-condition complaints for private rentals; the state's main tool is the renter's own notice of deficient condition under the Fit Premises Act, and code problems can be reported to the local city or county. The Utah courts' self-help center has pages on bad housing conditions, deficient-condition notices, and tenants' rights. Utah Code § 57-22-6; Utah State Courts Self-Help — Housing
Vermont: Since January 1, 2024, the Vermont Division of Fire Safety has primary authority to enforce state rental housing health and safety laws, using a complaint-based system: tenants can file its fillable online complaint form, which goes to the regional office for the property's zip code. Towns with their own rental inspection programs may also inspect under local authority. Emergencies such as smoke or carbon monoxide alarms, gas leaks, arcing wires or burst pipes should be reported to the local fire department. Vermont Department of Health, THO Manual: Rental Housing Health and Safety (Feb. 2026)
Virginia: Housing-code violations that affect health or safety are reported to the local government agency that enforces the building or housing code; the VRLTA protects tenants from retaliation for making such complaints. The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development's Office of Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance publishes the state Landlord-Tenant Handbook and the required Statement of Tenant Rights and Responsibilities (tenantlandlordinfo@dhcd.virginia.gov). Some localities, such as Fairfax County, take written landlord-tenant complaints; housing discrimination goes to the Virginia Fair Housing Office. Virginia DHCD — Tenant and Landlord Resources; Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Handbook
Washington: Washington has no state agency that resolves individual landlord-tenant disputes; unsafe conditions are reported to the local code enforcement office, and a government inspector's certification of substandard conditions lets a tenant pay rent into escrow (RCW 59.18.115). The Washington Attorney General's Office enforces the state rent stabilization law (HB 1217, effective May 7, 2025) and posts landlord-tenant resources and special complaint forms, such as for emergency eviction moratoriums. Washington Attorney General — Landlord-Tenant (updated Sept. 11, 2026)
West Virginia: West Virginia has no state agency that handles rental-condition complaints; code violations go to the local city or county code official. The West Virginia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division takes consumer complaints about unfair or deceptive business practices and offers voluntary mediation with the business (hotline 1-800-368-8808; consumer.complaint@wvago.gov), though its complaint page does not list landlord-tenant disputes among the issues it handles. West Virginia Attorney General — File a Complaint with the Consumer Protection Division
Wisconsin: If a landlord refuses to repair major building defects, Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) advises reporting the defect to the local building or health inspector; the landlord may not retaliate by evicting the tenant. DATCP enforces the state's rental practices rules (ATCP 134) and accepts landlord-tenant complaints through its online complaint form or (608) 224-5012. Wisconsin DATCP — Tenant's Rights and Responsibilities
Wyoming: Wyoming has no state agency that takes landlord-tenant complaints. The Wyoming Attorney General's Consumer Protection and Antitrust Unit lists "Landlord/Tenant related matters" among the matters it will not examine. Renters enforce the health-and-safety standards themselves through the written-notice and circuit-court process in the residential rental law; local building or code offices may also be able to help. Wyoming Attorney General — Consumer Complaints

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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.