Rent Repayment Order Time Limits
Tenants or local authorities can apply for a rent repayment order if a landlord has committed certain offenses within the past 12 months, such as operating an unlicensed HMO or illegal eviction. The application must be made within 12 months of the offense (Sections 1, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15).
The maximum amount that can be ordered repaid is 12 months’ rent paid by the tenant. The specific amount awarded will depend on factors like the landlord’s conduct and financial circumstances (Sections 1, 4, 7, 8, 15, 16, 18).
If the landlord has been convicted of the offense, the tribunal must order the maximum 12 months’ rent repaid. If not convicted, the tribunal has discretion on the amount (Sections 1, 7, 17).
For offenses like illegal eviction or harassment, the 12 month period is calculated backwards from the date of the offense. For licensing offenses, it covers the period during which the landlord was committing the offense, up to 12 months (Sections 1, 7).
The clock starts ticking on the 12 month application deadline from the date the offense was committed. Tenants should apply as soon as possible as delays can reduce the rent claimable (Sections 4, 8, 12, 19).
The tribunal cannot allow new respondents to be added to a rent repayment order application after the 12 month deadline, even if the original respondent denies being the landlord (Section 10).
