Enhanced Rent Repayment Orders: What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know
Under the Renters’ Reform Bill (RRB), tenants now have enhanced powers to recover rent paid for properties that are in breach of legal standards. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of Enhanced Rent Repayment Orders (RROs), which allow tenants to claim back rent if a landlord has violated housing laws or failed to meet required legal standards.
How Do Enhanced Rent Repayment Orders Work?
An RRO is a legal mechanism enabling tenants to claim back rent if a property breaches specific legal requirements, including:
- Failure to comply with the Decent Homes Standard.
- Failure to protect the tenant’s deposit within the legal timeframe.
- Illegal eviction or other violations of tenancy rights.
1. Two-Year Claims Window
Previously, tenants could claim only 12 months of rent under a standard RRO. Now, claims can cover up to two years’ worth of rent, giving tenants more substantial remedies.
What this means for tenants: They can claim a larger portion of rent over a longer period, with more time to seek redress.
What this means for landlords: Non-compliant landlords may face larger claims, making it crucial to maintain properties according to legal requirements.
2. Full Rent Payback
Tenants can now claim full rent payback for periods in which the property was substandard or non-compliant.
What this means for tenants: Fair compensation for poor living conditions or illegal practices, with 100% of rent recoverable for the affected period.
What this means for landlords: Greater responsibility to maintain properties, comply with safety standards, and manage deposits correctly to avoid financial penalties.
3. Broader Eligibility for Rent Repayment Claims
Eligibility is now wider, including tenants affected by illegal eviction or properties failing to meet legal standards, even after the tenancy has started.
What this means for tenants: More tenants can claim rent repayments, particularly for issues such as damp, electrical faults, or infestations.
What this means for landlords: Strict adherence to property maintenance, deposit protection, and fair tenancy processes is essential to avoid penalties.
Why It Matters
Enhanced RROs provide stronger tenant protection and act as a deterrent to non-compliant landlords. Responsible landlords benefit from clear obligations and reduced risk of costly claims.
To ensure your property is fully compliant and avoid potential rent repayment claims,
contact us today for expert advice.
