With the Renters’ Rights Bill set to expand tenant protections and increase penalties, Rent Repayment Orders are becoming one of the biggest financial risks for landlords. This UK Landlord Network guide explains what RROs are, how they work, what’s changing in 2025, and how to stay compliant.

What Is a Rent Repayment Order (RRO)?

A Rent Repayment Order (RRO) is a legal order made by the First-tier Tribunal, requiring a landlord to repay rent to a tenant or repay housing costs to the local council.

An RRO is issued when a landlord has committed certain housing offences — and the sums involved can be significant.

Who can apply? Tenants or local authorities.
How much? Up to 12 months’ rent (soon increasing to 24 months under the Renters’ Rights Bill).
Enforcement: If the landlord doesn’t pay, the tenant can enforce repayment through the county court.

Current Law – When Can Tenants Claim?

Under existing law, tenants can apply for an RRO if their landlord commits one of the following offences:
- Letting out an unlicensed HMO (House in Multiple Occupation)
- Letting a property without a selective licence (where required)
- Breach of licence conditions (HMO or selective licence)
- Breach of a banning order
- Failure to comply with an improvement notice or prohibition order
- Illegal eviction or harassment of tenants
- Using violence to secure entry
- Breach of an existing RRO

🕒 Time limit: Tenants currently have 12 months from the date of the offence to apply.

📈 New Rules Under the Renters’ Rights Bill

The upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill significantly strengthens RRO powers and penalties to protect tenants and penalise repeat offenders.

🔑 Key Changes:

- Maximum repayment: increased from 12 months → 24 months’ rent
- Application window: extended from 12 months → 24 months
- Repeat offenders: must pay the full maximum amount — no tribunal discretion
- Wider liability: superior landlords and company directors can now be held personally liable

🆕 New Offences That Can Trigger an RRO:
- Misusing possession grounds (e.g., falsely claiming you want to sell or move in)
- Breach of letting or marketing restrictions
- Continuing offences after a financial penalty is issued
- Failure to join the landlord redress scheme
- Providing false or misleading information to the PRS (Private Rented Sector) database
- Repeated or ongoing PRS database breaches

🏠 What Landlords Should Do Now

To avoid the risk of a Rent Repayment Order, landlords should:

✅ Check if your property requires a licence — for HMOs or selective licensing areas
✅ Keep all safety checks up to date — gas, electrical, fire, and smoke alarm compliance
✅ Provide all required documents — EPC, “How to Rent” guide, deposit prescribed information
✅ Use possession grounds honestly — false claims can lead to penalties
✅ Join the landlord redress scheme — this will soon be mandatory
✅ Keep PRS database information accurate — incorrect entries can now trigger RROs
✅ Maintain good tenant communication — clear records and transparency protect you

🧾 Quick Compliance Checklist
- Is your property properly licensed (if required)?
- Are annual gas and electrical checks completed and recorded?
- Have tenants received all required legal documents?
- Are tenancy agreements up to date and documented?
- Are possession grounds honestly applied and justified?
- Are you ready for landlord redress scheme membership?
- Is your PRS database entry accurate?

✅ Key message:
Landlords who follow the rules rarely face Rent Repayment Orders. The greatest risks lie with landlords who cut corners or fail to stay informed.

Stay Informed
Keep up to date with the latest landlord legislation, compliance tools, and professional training at UK Landlord Network

Together, we’ll help you stay compliant, confident, and in control.

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