If your landlord has broken housing laws, you may be able to reclaim rent through a Rent Repayment Order (RRO). RROs allow tenants and local authorities to recover rent when certain offences are committed.
What Is an RRO?
A Rent Repayment Order is a legal order made by the First‑tier Tribunal requiring a landlord to repay rent when they have committed certain housing‑related offences.
Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (from 1 May 2026), tenants and councils can recover up to 2 years’ rent for qualifying offences.
When can you apply for an RRO?
You can apply if your landlord has committed any of the following offences:
- letting an unlicensed HMO or unlicensed property
- failing to comply with an Improvement Notice
- failing to comply with a Prohibition Order
- illegal eviction or harassment
- using violence to secure entry
- breach of a banning order
- misuse of possession grounds
- letting or marketing a property within 12 months of relying on Ground 1 or 1A
- providing false or misleading information to the PRS Database
- failing to maintain an active PRS Database entry
- failing to join the landlord redress scheme
You do not need to have moved out to apply.
Who can apply?
- Tenants – to recover rent they paid
- Norwich City Council – to recover Housing Benefit or Universal Credit paid to a landlord.
Superior landlords and company directors can also be named as respondents.
How to apply
Applications must be made to the First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
Time limits
- Offences before 1 May 2026: apply within 12 months of the offence ending.
- Offences on or after 1 May 2026: apply within 2 years.
How much rent can be reclaimed?
The Tribunal can order repayment of:
- up to 12 months’ rent (offences before 1 May 2026)
- up to 24 months’ rent (offences after 1 May 2026)
The amount depends on:
- seriousness of the offence
- landlord’s history and behaviour
- whether they have already been fined or prosecuted
- any mitigating circumstances
Need help?
If you believe you may be eligible for an RRO or want to report a housing offence or an unlicensed HMO, contact the Private Sector Housing Team.
