Rent Repayment Orders - A quick start guide

Intro

Since April 2017 private tenants (not council tenants) can apply directly for a Rent Repayment Order (RRO) from the landlord of an unlicensed House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) or any property that is subject to Additional or Selective licensing schemes. Chances are: if you live in an HMO, it's unlicensed.

The new laws are contained in the Housing and Planning Act (2016).

The Government made this new legislation to help fight rogue landlords that flout licensing laws and evade Health & Safety and other regulations applying to HMOs. On average councils only prosecuted one landlord per year for such offences. Now tenants have the power to take action directly...and Get Rent Back!

Key facts:

->Up to 12 months' rent can be claimed. The offence must have happened at some time in the 12 months before the application, however you can apply for periods of rent prior to the offence, up to the maximum total of 12 months rent

->Multiple tenant application possible for same property

->No prior conviction of landlord necessary (previously this was necessary under the 2004 -Housing Act)

->Extra protection from eviction for applicants living in unlicensed property

->RRO possible for all unlicensed HMOs: mandatory (state-specified) and
 additional/selective (council-specified)

->Timescale: about 3-4 months until judgment/award of RRO.

Main exemptions: Council or Housing Authority properties, University or specialist student lets, purpose built-flats in a block of 3 or more similar flats.



On this site you will find most of the resources you need to make a successful application. We explain all the steps and the procedures.

 

 © Flat Justice Community Interest Company Ltd. 2018  Legal Disclaimer  Modern Slavery Statement Privacy Statement  Confidentiality Policy  Complaints Procedure

Flat Justice is a member of  AdviceUK : a co-ordination and support network for organisations providing independent social welfare advice