Can Tenants Apply Jointly for a Rent Repayment Order in England?

If you live in shared accommodation and suspect your landlord has broken the law—such as letting a property without a required licence or committing certain offences—you may be entitled to apply for a Rent Repayment Order (RRO) to reclaim up to 12 months of rent. In England, joint tenants often wonder if they can submit a single claim together. This guide explains your options under current law and helps you take practical steps as a renter.

What Is a Rent Repayment Order?

A Rent Repayment Order (RRO) is a legal process allowing tenants to reclaim rent paid if a landlord has committed certain housing offences. These include running an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) or failing to comply with improvement notices. RROs are determined by the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) in England, which is an independent legal body.

Can Multiple Tenants Claim Together?

In England, joint tenants can apply together for a Rent Repayment Order if the offence affected all of you in the same property. This applies whether you have a joint tenancy agreement or separate agreements but lived at the same address during the relevant period. Applying together can be simpler and may avoid inconsistent rulings.

• All tenants must have paid rent for the period you are claiming back.
• Usually, each claimant must provide evidence of their rent payments and how the offence affected them.
• You can also choose to apply separately, but joint applications are accepted by the tribunal if circumstances are shared.

The tribunal generally divides any award between tenants based on their individual rent payments and period of occupation.

Relevant Forms for Applying Jointly

The main form to start a Rent Repayment Order application is the RRO1 – Application For a Rent Repayment Order.

• Form name: RRO1 – Application For a Rent Repayment Order
• When to use: When you want to apply for an RRO as a single or joint group of tenants, after your landlord has committed a qualifying offence.
• How it’s used (example): If you and three housemates paid rent while your landlord ran the property as an unlicensed HMO, all four of you can list your details as claimants in a single RRO1 form and submit one combined application.
• Official Form RRO1 and guidance (gov.uk)

Each applicant must sign the form and provide details of their tenancy and rent payments.

Key Steps for Joint Tenant Applications

• Check whether the landlord’s offence qualifies for an RRO under the Housing Act 2004, Part 2, Chapter 4.
• Gather all tenants who were affected. Discuss making a joint application for clarity and unity.
• Collect evidence: rent receipts, tenancy agreements, communication about the property, and any proof of the landlord’s offence.
• Complete the RRO1 form together. Each tenant adds their details.
• Send your application and supporting documents to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).

The process can be managed without a solicitor, though legal advice may help in complex cases. The tribunal will examine your joint claim and may invite all tenants to a hearing, in person or virtually, if necessary.

Legislation Covering Joint Tenant Claims

Joint tenant claims are set out under the Housing Act 2004, Section 41 and Housing and Planning Act 2016, Section 41. These acts allow for one or more tenants to claim against a landlord in respect of the same offence and for the same period.

FAQ: Multiple Tenant Rent Repayment Order Claims

1. Can joint tenants apply for an RRO together?
   Yes, joint tenants can submit one application for a Rent Repayment Order as a group, provided the rent was paid during the period of the landlord’s offence.
2. What if one tenant leaves before making a claim?
   A former tenant can still be included as long as they paid rent during the relevant period. They must provide evidence and details in the joint application.
3. How does the tribunal split compensation between tenants?
   If an RRO is granted, the tribunal usually divides the awarded sum in line with each tenant’s rent payments or period they lived at the property.
4. Do all tenants have to agree to a joint claim?
   No, but it’s best if all affected tenants join the same claim. If one or more do not wish to participate, others can still claim independently.
5. Is there a deadline for applying for a Rent Repayment Order?
   You must submit your RRO application within 12 months of the offence, as set by the Housing and Planning Act 2016.

Summary: What Renters Should Know

• Joint tenant applications for RROs are allowed and often more efficient.
• Each tenant’s rent and experience count towards the award and evidence requirements.
• Always use the official RRO1 form and apply via the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).

Need Help? Resources for Renters in England

• Private renting: Gov.uk main advice hub
• Rent Repayment Orders explained (Gov.uk)
• Download Form RRO1 from Gov.uk
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) contact information
• Shelter England: Private Renters Rights & Helpline

1. Housing Act 2004, Part 2, Chapter 4 (legislation.gov.uk)
2. Housing and Planning Act 2016, Chapter 4 (legislation.gov.uk)
3. First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) – Residential Property
4. Form RRO1 – Application For a Rent Repayment Order (gov.uk)