Reclaiming my rent
What is a Rent Repayment Order?
A Rent Repayment Order (RRO) is an order made by the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) requiring your landlord to repay some or all of the rent you have paid. You can apply for an RRO yourself or approach one of the organisations listed below for help.
When can I apply for a Rent Repayment Order?
You can apply for an RRO if your landlord has committed one of the following offences:
- Renting out a property that should be licensed but is not (an unlicensed HMO or unlicensed house)
- Unlawful eviction or harassment under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977
- Use of violence for securing entry
- Failure to comply with an improvement notice or prohibition order
- Breaching a banning order
- Misusing a possession ground — using a ground to evict you knowing they could not succeed, or recklessly
- Re-letting or re-marketing a property within 12 months after using the 'moving in' or 'selling' possession grounds
- Continuing to breach tenancy rules after a financial penalty has already been imposed
How much can I reclaim?
The maximum amount you can reclaim is the rent paid over a period of up to two years ending on the date of the offence. The Tribunal will decide the amount based on the severity of the offence.
Who can I claim against?
You can bring a claim against:
- A landlord, which may be an immediate landlord, superior landlord or company landlord
- A director or manager where your landlord is a company
- A licensor
Time limits
You have two years from the date of the offence to apply for an RRO. However, it is still best to act quickly, as evidence can become harder to gather over time.
Rent paid through housing benefit or universal credit
You cannot apply for an RRO for any rent (or portion of rent) paid through housing benefit or universal credit. However, the Council can reclaim this rent back so it is still worth contacting us in these cases.
How to apply
Applications are made to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). The application fee is set by the Tribunal. You do not need a lawyer, but legal advice can be helpful.
Further advice on RRO
If council officers have inspected your property then they may be able to provide you with a letter to assist your RRO application. We may also be able to confirm if an HMO licence application has been received and if so the date when it was submitted.
Find out more about Rent Repayment Orders.
There are many other organisations who are also able to assist tenants with the RRO application and process:
