About Housing Ombudsman Service - Housing Ombudsman Service ¦ Exclusive Analysis of Housing Ombudsman decisions

The Housing Ombudsman Service was set up under the provisions of the 1996 Housing Act to deal with complaints and disputes involving providers or housing services in its jurisdiction. All registered social landlords in England are included on a mandatory basis. Private sector providers (landlords and agents) are included on a voluntary basis. People who receive services from these housing bodies can contact the Service once they complete the internal complaints procedure and meet certain basic conditions. The Service is free of charge.

For more information visit the website of the Housing Ombudsman Service at www.ihos.org.uk

Significant Determinations

Complainant Reference 17067 - Jurisdictional Decisions Jun 13, 2007: The Complainant made a complaint in 2005 about matters that arose in 1996 (i.e. issues relating to the suitability of her accommodation). The Housing Ombudsman Service found that the complaint fell outside its jurisdiction as paragraph 16(a)(iii) of the Ombudsman’s Approved Scheme provides that the Ombudsman will not consider complaints that in his opinion concern matters that were not brought to the attention of the Landlord within a reasonable period (ordinarily such a period would be 12 months).