What is a Rent Repayment Order (RRO)?
- An RRO allows tenants to reclaim up to 12 months of rent paid if their landlord has committed certain offenses, including operating an unlicensed HMO.
Who can apply for an RRO?
- Tenants or former tenants can apply directly to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for an RRO.
- Local housing authorities can also apply to recover housing benefit or universal credit paid to tenants.
What evidence is needed?
To apply for an RRO for an unlicensed HMO, tenants need evidence that:
- The property met the definition of an HMO – e.g. at least 3 tenants forming more than 1 household and sharing facilities
- The property required an HMO license but didn’t have one
- They paid rent to the landlord for the period claimed (up to 12 months)
What is the process?
- Fill out form RRO1 available from GOV.UK and submit to the First-tier Tribunal with supporting evidence
- Pay a fee of around £100 (unless eligible for fee remission)
- The Tribunal will decide whether to hold a hearing before making a judgement
- If an RRO is awarded, the landlord must repay the amount ordered like a county court debt
Time limits
- Tenants have 12 months from the date of offense to submit an RRO claim
- RROs can reclaim rent for up to 12 months ending on the date of offense
In summary, tenants in an unlicensed HMO can directly apply to the Tribunal for an RRO to reclaim up to 12 months of rent, providing sufficient evidence of the licensing offense and rent payments.
