Tenant Complaint Letter

Suitable For: USA (for all 51 state)
Downloads: 450
Last Updated: July 3, 2025
Time to Complete: 1 min.
Available formats: PDF and Word

A tenant complaint letter is used to inform the owner of a property about ongoing problems that affect tenants' living conditions.

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5.0

The Tenant Complaint Letter template was exactly what I needed. The template was professional, easy to edit, and helped me get a quick response from my landlord.

-- Jessica, School Teacher

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What is a tenant complaint letter?

A tenant complaint letter is a formal written document that is used to inform a landlord about existing issues with the rented property. This letter is used frequently by tenants who need to communicate issues with the rented property in a clear and timely manner.

A tenant complaint letter is also known as a landlord complaint letter. This legal document is used to inform the landlord about either of the following issues:

  • maintenance delays (e.g., failure to fix a leaking pipe on time);
  • safety hazards (e.g., gas smell within the property);
  • disruptive neighbors (e.g., student parties);
  • environmental issues (e.g., late trash collection, flooding, etc.).

This tenant complaint letter can be used for various types of residential leases—apartment, studio, or house.

How to write a tenant complaint letter?

Writing a tenant complaint letter from scratch might be daunting. We prepared a short list of tips for you to keep in mind when creating your first tenant complaint letter:

Check Contact Information

The best way to start writing a complaint letter to landlord is to check the initial residential lease agreement. Here you can find the accurate name, address, and contact information of a landlord. Check what your residential lease agreement says about the preferred method of communication. Check if this letter should be sent via email or via post.

Include your name, address, unit number, email, and phone number at the top of the letter. Add the landlord’s or property manager’s contact details as well.

Date the Letter

Do not forget to date your letter. This is used to track the exact moment when the letter has been sent as well as the timely response of a landlord. Some residential lease agreements may even include a maximum period of time within which a landlord has to give the answer to a tenant’s complaint letter.

Explain the problem

Provide as much detail as possible while explaining the problem with the leased property. If you have any supporting documentation like photos or videos, do not hesitate to attach them along with the letter. It may help the landlord to better understand the problem you are referring to.

Use polite language.

Try to use a polite and professional tone when creating a tenant complaint letter. Using too emotional language does not usually help to resolve the issue.

Request Specific Action

Clearly state what you want the landlord to do and by when. For instance, you can ask them to perform specific actions, pay you compensation, and even decrease your rent for the period of time until the problem is eliminated.

Sign a Letter

Do not forget to sign a tenant complaint letter. Without a signature, a document cannot become a legally binding document.

Get your tenant complaint letter template at FasterDraft

In order to customize a simple tenant complaint letter, follow these steps below:

  • Press the button “Create Document.”
  • Fill in the questionnaire.
  • Select a document’s format: Tenant complaint letter PDF or Tenant complaint letter Word
  • Make a payment;
  • Your personalized tenant complaint letter is ready for download.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • 1. In which formats can I download the document?

    At FasterDraft the document will be available in either of the two formats below:

    • Tenant complaint letter PDF; or
    • Tenant complaint letter doc Word.
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