Costs and Fees When Applying for Rent Repayment Orders in England

If you're a renter in England and considering applying for a Rent Repayment Order (RRO), it's important to understand whether there are any costs and how to factor these into your decision. RROs give tenants the right to reclaim rent from their landlord if certain legal requirements have not been met, such as operating an unlicensed property or carrying out an unlawful eviction. This guide explains the typical application costs, official forms, examples, and where to get support, so you can make informed decisions.

What Is a Rent Repayment Order (RRO)?

A Rent Repayment Order is a legal order from the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber - Residential Property), requiring a landlord to repay up to 12 months’ rent to the tenant if the landlord has committed certain offences under housing law. These offences can include letting an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), using violence to secure entry, or carrying out an illegal eviction. For more details on what constitutes an RRO offence, see the Housing Act 2004 (Part 2, Chapter 4).^[1]

Are There Any Costs for Applying for an RRO?

The main cost involved in applying for an RRO in England is the tribunal fee. There is no application charge from your local council, but you’ll need to pay a fee when making your application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber – Residential Property).^[2]

Typical Fees for RRO Applications (2024)

• Application fee: £100 (non-refundable)
• Hearing fee: £200 (payable if the case goes to a hearing)

If you qualify for help with fees (for example, if you're on certain benefits or a low income), you may be able to get a reduction or exemption. Information and eligibility for help can be found on the official government 'Help with Fees' page.^[3]

Are There Other Costs Involved?

Legal representation is not required, and many applicants represent themselves. However, if you hire a solicitor or legal adviser, you’ll need to pay their fees separately. Usually, each side pays their own costs regardless of the outcome, unless the tribunal finds someone has acted unreasonably.

Which Official Forms Are Needed?

• Form: RRO1 – Application by a tenant or local authority for a rent repayment order
  • When to use: When applying for an RRO because you believe your landlord has committed a relevant offence.
  • Example: If your landlord has let out a property without the required HMO licence.
  • Download Form RRO1 (gov.uk)
• Form: EX160 – Help with Fees application form
  • When to use: If you want to apply for a reduction or full remission of tribunal fees due to low income or benefits eligibility.
  • Example: If you receive Universal Credit and cannot afford the fee, fill in EX160 as part of your RRO application.
  • Download Form EX160 (Help with Fees, gov.uk)

Always check you are using the most up-to-date form from the official forms list for housing tribunals.

How to Apply for a Rent Repayment Order

• Download and complete Form RRO1.
• Gather evidence showing your landlord committed a relevant offence: this can include tenancy agreements, correspondence, evidence of illegal eviction, or proof the property is unlicensed.
• Pay the application fee (£100), unless you have applied for help with fees using Form EX160.
• Send your completed forms and evidence to the relevant tribunal address (details are provided on the RRO1 form and on the official tribunal website).
• The tribunal will consider your application and may schedule a hearing. If this happens, you’ll pay the additional hearing fee (£200).

Summary: Applying for an RRO involves completing the correct forms and paying tribunal fees, but support is available if you're on a low income or benefits. Legal help is an option, but most renters manage the process themselves. Using official sources and checking the latest government guidance is key.

FAQ: Costs of Rent Repayment Orders in England

1. Can I get help with the RRO application fee if I’m on a low income?
   Yes, you can apply for a reduction or full exemption using Form EX160 if you receive benefits or have a low income.
2. Do I need a lawyer to apply for an RRO?
   No. Most renters complete the RRO process themselves. Legal representation is optional and not required by the tribunal.
3. If I lose my case, will I have to pay the landlord’s legal costs?
   Usually not. The tribunal rarely orders one party to pay another's costs unless they acted unreasonably or frivolously.
4. Do I pay both the application fee and the hearing fee up front?
   No. You only pay the £100 application fee initially. The hearing fee (£200) is only paid if your case is scheduled for a hearing by the tribunal.
5. What offences allow tenants to apply for an RRO?
   Certain offences such as letting an unlicensed HMO, unlawful eviction, and use of violence to secure entry. See details under the Housing Act 2004.

Conclusion: What Every Renter Should Know

• Expect to pay court fees (£100–£300), but help is available if you meet certain criteria.
• Use official forms (RRO1, EX160) and check the latest guidance from the tribunal.
• Legal help is optional, and the tribunal process is designed to be accessible to tenants.

Being aware of the process, costs, and available resources makes applying for an RRO in England more manageable and less stressful.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Your rights and renting: GOV.UK
• Help with court and tribunal fees: GOV.UK
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber – Residential Property)
• Shelter – Rent Repayment Orders guidance
• Call Citizens Advice helpline for free impartial advice

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1. See Housing Act 2004, Part 2, Chapter 4 (England)
2. First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber – Residential Property)
3. Help with Fees (GOV.UK)

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