Rent Repayment Order (RRO)

A Rent Repayment Order is a penalty issued by the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). It is designed to punish landlords who break the law and to compensate tenants who have lived in substandard or illegally managed housing.

If a landlord is found to have committed a specific offense (such as running an unlicensed HMO or failing to comply with an improvement notice), the tribunal can order them to refund a significant amount of the rent paid by the tenant during that period.

Grounds for an RRO

A tenant can apply for an RRO if the landlord has committed any of the following:

• Operating an Unlicensed Property: Renting out a property that requires a license (like an HMO) without having one.
• Illegal Eviction: Forcing a tenant out without following the legal Section 8 or Section 21 (pre-2026) process.
• Harassment: Using threats or violence to make a tenant leave.
• Failure to Comply: Ignoring an "Improvement Notice" or "Prohibition Order" from the local council regarding Property Maintenance.
• Breach of Banning Order: Renting out a property while legally banned from being a landlord.

To apply for a Rent Repayment Order, visit the gov.uk tenant guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money can I get back? You can claim up to 12 months' rent. The tribunal will decide the exact amount based on the seriousness of the landlord’s offense, the conduct of both parties, and the landlord’s financial circumstances.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for an RRO? You don't need one, but the process involves gathering evidence and attending a tribunal hearing. Many tenants use "No Win, No Fee" services or seek advice from Citizens Advice. You must apply within 12 months of the offense being committed.

Can my landlord evict me for applying for an RRO? No. Under the Renters’ Rights Act, tenants are protected from "retaliatory eviction." If a landlord tries to evict you because you are seeking an RRO, the notice would likely be deemed invalid by a court.