ONLY FIVE out of 680 complaints made about private rented properties since 2012 were followed up by an inspection.

Between July 2012 and June 2017, an average of 136 complaints a year have been lodged to Wokingham Borough Council by tennants of properties rented on the private sector.

Of those, only five led to council officers carrying out property inspections under the Housing, Health and Safety Rating System.

Legitimate complaints can be made about a huge array of property deficiencies, from leaded paint to bad noise insulation.

A council spokesperson said inspections were rare because good advice was given to complaining tenants and their respective landlords.

"As a proportion of total properties in the private rented sector, the number of complaints is low," they said.

"The council is always concerned when residents feel the need to complain about their accommodation, but by providing good advice to tenants and working with landlords to resolve any issues the council is minimising the risk of people living in unsatisfactory conditions.

"A tenant will speak to a duty officer who will establish the nature of the complaint. The severity of the complaint will determine the level of response, ranging from advice on how to deal with damp and mould through to taking action under the Housing Act 2004. We aim to conclude such complaints within 15 working days.

"The question specifically mentions inspections under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System or HHSRS – there are very specific circumstances when this level of inspection is required. Most advice and visits to property as a result of complaints do not need such inspections."

Of the 680 complaints, 128 were made by tenants of Houses of Multiple Occupation.