Every housing association has a different complaints procedure. Your housing association's complaints procedure should be in your tenant's handbook.

If you aren't happy with how your housing association deals with your complaint you may be able to complain to the Ombudsman. You may also be able to apply for a judicial review.

• How do I complain?
• What if I don't agree with the decision?

How do I complain?

It is usually best to try and sort out your problems quickly and locally. Contact your housing association to explain your problem. Telephone or write to your housing association.

If the housing association can't resolve the problem informally, you can use the housing association's complaints procedure. Each housing association has a different complaints procedure. Your tenant's handbook should outline your housing association's internal complaints procedure.

In general you should write to your housing association with your complaint. If you don't agree with the initial decision you will usually be able to continue your complaint.

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What if I don't agree with the decision?

If you don't agree with the housing association's decision or you think that the decision is taking too long you can complain to the Ombudsman. You will usually only be able to complain to the Ombudsman if you have finished your housing association's complaints procedure within the last 12 months.

You may also be able to apply for judicial review. Judicial review is a complicated process and you should get advice if you are considering this option.

An adviser can tell you whether you have a good case and can help with filling in court forms and preparing for hearings.