Are Rent Repayment Orders Public Records in England?

If you’re a renter in England facing poor housing standards or an unlawful eviction, you may have heard about Rent Repayment Orders (RROs). Understanding whether these orders become public is important—especially if you’re concerned about your privacy or your landlord’s. This guide explains what RROs are, how your case details may be published, and what you need to know about official records in England.

What Are Rent Repayment Orders?

Rent Repayment Orders are legal orders made by the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). They allow tenants to claim back rent if their landlord has committed certain housing offences, like letting an unlicensed property or carrying out an illegal eviction. RROs are governed by the Housing Act 2004 and the Housing and Planning Act 2016.^1,2 Most renters apply for an RRO after first reporting the issue to their local council.

Are Rent Repayment Orders Public?

While Rent Repayment Orders themselves are not published as a national public register, decisions made by the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) are usually published online. This means some details of RRO applications—and their outcomes—can become public records.

What is typically made public:

• Tribunal decisions (written summaries of the case and its outcome)
• Names of landlords and sometimes tenants
• Property addresses involved in the dispute
• Summary of the legal reasoning and the order amount

However, personal and sensitive information is typically withheld or anonymised. Full applications and detailed evidence are not made public—only the tribunal's final written decision.

Where Are RRO Tribunal Decisions Published?

Decisions from the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) are published at Residential Property Tribunal Decisions. You can search by address, party names, or date. This publication ensures transparency of legal proceedings, but most written decisions exclude sensitive personal information.

Filing for a Rent Repayment Order: Official Forms

If you wish to apply for a Rent Repayment Order, you’ll need to use specific forms provided by the tribunal system. Here are the details:

• Form: RRO1 (Application for a Rent Repayment Order)
  Official RRO1 application form
  Use this if you believe your landlord has committed one of the offences listed under the Housing and Planning Act 2016, Section 40. For example, if your landlord operates a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) without the proper license, you can complete and submit this form to the tribunal, outlining your case and the amount of rent you seek to recover.

For detailed instructions on submitting forms and the tribunal process, see the official government guidance on Rent Repayment Orders.

Your Privacy and Tribunal Orders

Although names and addresses can appear in published tribunal decisions, you may request anonymity from the tribunal. This is not guaranteed—it is at the tribunal’s discretion and often granted in sensitive cases. If you have privacy concerns, you should state this clearly in your application or at the hearing. For more about privacy and published tribunal decisions, visit the official tribunal privacy policy.

Action Steps if You Want to Apply

• Gather evidence of your landlord’s offence (e.g., evidence of an unlicensed property, proof of illegal eviction).
• Download and complete the RRO1 form in full.
• Submit your application and evidence by post or email to your local First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) office.
• Prepare to attend a hearing (in person or virtually) and present your case if required.

Remember, applying for an RRO is a formal legal process—make use of official advice and support services if you’re unsure about any step.

FAQs about Rent Repayment Orders and Public Records

1. Will my name be published if I apply for a Rent Repayment Order?
   Tribunal decisions usually include party names, though you can request anonymity. The judge may grant it in special situations.
2. Can my landlord see my full application?
   Your landlord will receive a copy of your completed RRO application as part of the tribunal process, but it is not made public online.
3. Are RROs listed on national databases or credit reports?
   No, while tribunal decisions may be published, they are not linked to national databases like credit reports.
4. Can I see previous RRO cases in my area?
   Yes, you can search tribunal decisions by address or party name via the Residential Property Tribunal Decisions site.
5. Is there a time limit to apply for a Rent Repayment Order?
   Yes, you must apply within 12 months of the offence. For more detail, see the Housing and Planning Act 2016.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Most Rent Repayment Order tribunal decisions are published online, but sensitive details are limited.
• You can request anonymity if you have privacy concerns, but it is not automatically given.
• Understanding official forms and processes helps protect your rights and privacy as a renter.

In summary, while the outcome and basic details of your RRO case may be made public in England, much of your personal information stays private. Use the official forms, understand your rights, and ask for guidance if you need help.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Official Government Guidance on Rent Repayment Orders
• Shelter England – Free Housing Advice
• Citizens Advice – Housing Help
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)
• Contact your local council’s housing department for specific support or to report offences.

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1. Housing Act 2004, Part 2, Chapter 4
2. Housing and Planning Act 2016, Part 2, Chapter 4

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