Rent Repayment Order (RRO)

Rent Repayment Order (RRO) is a tribunal order requiring a landlord to repay up to 12 months' rent to the tenant or local authority where specific housing offences have been committed. Under the Housing and Planning Act 2016, RROs apply to offences including operating an unlicensed HMO, illegal eviction, harassment, and breach of banning orders. Tenants can apply directly to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) with evidence.

When RROs Apply

Under the Housing and Planning Act 2016, RROs can be issued for:

1. Unlicensed HMO - Operating without required licence
2. Unlicensed selective licence - Where scheme applies
3. Illegal eviction - Unlawfully forcing tenant out
4. Harassment - Behaviour intended to make tenant leave
5. Violence for securing entry - Using force to enter property
6. Breach of banning order - Letting when banned
7. Using unlicensed property - Failure to comply with improvement notice

RRO Process

For Tenants

1. Gather evidence of offence
2. Apply to First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)
3. Tribunal considers case
4. If successful, order for up to 12 months' rent

For Local Authorities

1. Must first prosecute or issue civil penalty
2. Can then apply for RRO
3. Represents rent paid through housing benefit

RRO Amounts

Tribunals consider:

• Seriousness of offence
• Landlord's conduct
• Landlord's financial situation
• Whether tenant caused the offence
• Whether landlord has been penalised already

Maximum: 12 months' rent paid during offence period

Impact on Landlords

RROs can result in:

• Significant financial penalty
• Reputational damage
• Combined with other penalties
• Record of offence

Prevention

Landlords can avoid RROs by:

• Obtaining all required licences
• Following legal eviction procedures
• Not harassing tenants
• Maintaining compliance

For Letting Agents

Protecting landlord clients:

• Check licensing requirements thoroughly
• Never advise on illegal eviction
• Document all interactions
• Ensure full compliance
• Advise on RRO risks