The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is warning that unregulated companies are falsely claiming that they can help tenants with complaints and housing disrepair.

If you use one of these companies, they often promise successful claims – but they charge you fees, or take a cut of your compensation. In some cases, their whole operation is a scam.

You can check out any company using the FCA Firm Checker. They ask you to phone 0800 111 67, if you come across an unregulated company.

Remember: if you have a problem with disrepair, you do not need to use a law firm. If you aren’t happy with the way we handle your complaint, you have the option of taking your complaint to the Independent Housing Ombudsman. You will not get less compensation, if we found to be at fault – but we will not be forced to pay out legal fees as well, which take money out of our frontline repairs service.

To find out more about the Ombudsman, go to our complaints and compliments page.