My managing agent ignores me. How do I complain properly?

1. Report the issue to the agent and say what you want them to do.
2. If that does not work, send a formal written complaint. Label it clearly as a complaint. Say what went wrong, when, and what you want to happen.
3. Follow the agent's complaints procedure and keep copies of everything.
4. If you are still unhappy, complain to the agent's redress scheme. You must have complained to the agent first.

Redress schemes

• Managing agents in England must by law belong to a government-approved redress scheme. The two schemes are The Property Ombudsman and Property Redress. If a private landlord or a Right to Manage company manages the building itself, without an agent, there may be no redress scheme to go to.
• In Wales, membership is voluntary.
• A scheme can order an apology, an explanation, action to put things right, or compensation. LEASE says compensation is usually between £100 and £400.
• If your landlord is a housing association or council in England, the route is the Housing Ombudsman.

A redress scheme deals with poor service. It does not decide whether a service charge is reasonable. That is for the tribunal.