Rent Repayment Orders
What Is a Rent Repayment Order?
A Rent Repayment Order (RRO) allows a tenant to apply to the First-tier Tribunal for an order requiring their landlord to repay rent.
Unlike a compensation claim through the courts, an RRO is a specialist legal remedy available where a landlord has committed certain housing offences.
The Renters’ Rights Act significantly strengthened Rent Repayment Orders by increasing the maximum amount of rent that can be repaid and expanding the circumstances in which tenants may be able to make a claim.
Who Can Apply?
You may be able to apply for a Rent Repayment Order if:
- you rented the property under a qualifying tenancy
- your landlord committed a relevant housing offence
- your application is made within the legal time limit
Applications are usually made to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) rather than through the County Court.
Each case is decided on its own facts and the Tribunal will consider the available evidence before deciding whether to make an order.
Which Landlord Offences Can Lead to an RRO?
The Renters’ Rights Act expanded the range of offences that may qualify for a Rent Repayment Order.
Examples include:
- illegally evicting or harassing a tenant
- failing to obtain a required property licence
- breaching licence conditions
- knowingly or recklessly providing false or misleading information to a local authority
- failing to comply with certain enforcement notices
- other qualifying offences set out in housing legislation
Not every landlord mistake creates an RRO claim, but where a qualifying offence has been committed, tenants may be entitled to recover rent.
How Much Compensation Could I Receive?
One of the biggest changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act is the increase in the maximum amount of rent that can be awarded.
Previously, tenants could recover up to 12 months’ rent.
The maximum award has now increased to 24 months’ rent, depending on the circumstances of the case.
The Tribunal will consider factors such as:
- the seriousness of the offence
- the landlord’s conduct
- the tenant’s conduct
- whether the landlord has previous convictions or civil penalties
- any relevant financial circumstances
This doesn’t mean every successful application will receive the maximum award, but the potential compensation available is now significantly higher.
How Has the Renters' Rights Act Changed RROs?
The Act introduced several important reforms, including:
- increasing the maximum award from 12 months to 24 months’ rent
- expanding the range of qualifying offences
- strengthening enforcement against repeat offenders
- extending the period during which tenants can make an application
- making Rent Repayment Orders a more effective deterrent against unlawful behaviour
These changes make RROs one of the most powerful remedies available to private tenants.
How Do I Apply?
The process will vary depending on the circumstances, but it generally involves:
- Identifying whether a qualifying offence has been committed.
- Gathering evidence to support your application.
- Calculating the rent that may be recoverable.
- Submitting an application to the First-tier Tribunal.
- Attending a hearing if required.
Because the law can be complex, many tenants choose to seek specialist advice before making an application.
How Can Tenant Angels Help?
If you think your landlord may have committed a qualifying offence, Tenant Angels can carry out a free initial assessment of your situation.
They’ll review the information you provide and, if your case appears suitable, they’ll refer you to one of their specialist solicitor partners who can advise you further. Most claims are handled on a No Win, No Fee basis.
Every case is different, so an assessment is the best way to understand whether you may have a claim.
Common Misunderstandings
“Every Tenant Can Claim an RRO”
No.
A Rent Repayment Order is only available where the legal requirements are met and a qualifying housing offence has been committed.
“I’ll Automatically Receive 24 Months’ Rent”
No.
Twenty-four months is the maximum award available.
The Tribunal decides how much rent, if any, should be repaid based on the facts of each case.
“I Need to Go to Court”
Usually not.
Applications are generally made to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), which is separate from the County Court.
“My Landlord Doesn’t Need to Be Criminally Convicted”
Correct.
In many cases, a tenant can apply for an RRO even if the landlord hasn’t been prosecuted, provided the Tribunal is satisfied that a qualifying offence has been committed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Rent Repayment Order?
It’s a legal order requiring a landlord to repay rent after committing certain housing offences.
How Much Rent Can Be Repaid?
Following the Renters’ Rights Act, the Tribunal can award up to 24 months’ rent, depending on the circumstances.
Do I Need a Solicitor?
Not necessarily.
You can make an application yourself, but many tenants choose to seek professional advice because housing law can be complex.
Is There a Time Limit?
Yes.
The Renters’ Rights Act extended the time limit for making certain Rent Repayment Order applications, so it’s important not to delay if you think you may have a claim.
Can Tenant Angels Help Me?
Yes.
Tenant Angels offers a free initial assessment and, where appropriate, can refer suitable cases to specialist solicitors who may be able to act on a No Win, No Fee basis.
Key Takeaways
- Rent Repayment Orders allow tenants to recover rent where a landlord has committed certain housing offences.
- Applications are usually made to the First-tier Tribunal.
- The Renters' Rights Act increased the maximum award to 24 months' rent.
- More landlord offences now qualify than under the previous rules.
- Specialist advice can help you understand whether you have a potential claim.
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