Request Housing Information (FOI/EIR) - London

Housing and Building Standards England 3 Minutes Read · published February 02, 2026 Flag of England

In London, England you can request housing records from local authorities under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) or the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR). Requests must be clear about the information sought and give a return address; authorities that hold the information must assess whether it is disclosable and respond within statutory time limits. This guide explains the 20 working-day time limit, complaint and appeal options, common violations, and practical steps to make an effective request to any London borough or the City of London.

Make requests in writing and keep a dated copy of your submission.

Penalties & Enforcement

Statutory timeframes require public authorities to respond to FOIA and EIR requests within 20 working days; enforcement and remedies are set out by the Information Commissioner but specific penalty amounts are not stated on the cited guidance pages. ICO guidance on FOIA timescales[1] and the ICO EIR guidance explain enforcement measures and compliance expectations. ICO guidance on responding under the EIR[2]

  • Statutory deadline: 20 working days for FOIA and EIR requests (counting working days from receipt).
  • Monetary fines or financial penalties for failure to comply: not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcement actions: ICO can issue enforcement notices, practice recommendations and decisions; remedies vary by case and authority.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: ordering disclosure, requiring steps to comply, and public reports.
  • Inspection and complaint pathways: request internal review from the authority, then refer a complaint to the ICO within the ICO timescales described on its guidance pages.
  • Appeal routes: internal review with the authority, then complaint to the Information Commissioner; further appeal may be to the First-tier or Upper Tribunal depending on the decision.
If an authority misses the 20 working-day deadline, request an internal review promptly.

Applications & Forms

Most London councils accept FOI and EIR requests in writing by email, post or an online contact form; there is no single national form required. Local authorities publish submission instructions and internal review contacts on their FOI pages; check the authority that holds the housing records for exact submission details and complaint steps. City of London FOI and transparency information[3]

  • Form required: no standard form required—write a clear request specifying the records and date range.
  • Fees: FOI requests are normally provided without a charge; EIRs may lawfully include charges in limited cases—see ICO EIR guidance for details.
  • Submission: follow the contact and complaints route on the relevant council or City of London FOI page.

Common Violations

  • Missed statutory deadline (late response).
  • Failure to identify or locate records held by the authority.
  • Improper refusal to disclose without citing a valid exemption or exception.
  • Incomplete redaction or improper withholding of non-exempt material.
Keep timelines and correspondence to support any complaint to the ICO.

Action Steps

  • Identify the authority holding the housing information (local borough, City of London, or housing provider).
  • Send a clear, written FOI or EIR request with contact details and preferred format for the response.
  • If you receive a refusal or no reply within 20 working days, request an internal review from the authority.
  • If internal review is unsatisfactory, complain to the Information Commissioner for independent investigation.

FAQ

How long does a council have to reply to an FOI or EIR request?
Councils must reply within 20 working days from receipt for both FOI and EIR requests; see ICO guidance for timescales and exceptions.
Can I request housing condition or environmental reports under EIR?
Yes—environmental information (for example, housing-related environmental reports) can be requested under the EIR, subject to exceptions and fees in limited circumstances.
What if the council refuses or misses the deadline?
Ask the authority for an internal review, then complain to the Information Commissioner if the review does not resolve the issue.

How-To

  1. Identify the public authority that holds the housing information you need (borough council, City of London, or housing provider).
  2. Draft a written request specifying the information, date ranges, and a preferred delivery format; include your name and contact details.
  3. Submit the request by the authority's preferred channel (email, online form, or post) and keep proof of submission.
  4. If you do not receive a full response in 20 working days, request an internal review from the authority.
  5. If internal review is unsatisfactory, file a complaint with the Information Commissioner for independent assessment.

Key Takeaways

  • FOI and EIR responses are subject to a 20 working-day statutory deadline.
  • Make requests in writing, clearly describe records and keep copies of correspondence.
  • Use internal review first, then complain to the ICO if needed.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] ICO guidance on FOIA timescales
  2. [2] ICO guidance on responding under the EIR
  3. [3] City of London FOI and transparency information

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