How Much Can You Recover with a Rent Repayment Order in Northern Ireland

Many renters in Northern Ireland worry about getting their rent back if their landlord breaks the rules. If your landlord has committed certain offences, you may be eligible to apply for a Rent Repayment Order (RRO) to recover up to 12 months' rent. This guide explains what you can claim, who decides the amount, and how to apply, drawing on official government sources and the latest housing legislation.

What Is a Rent Repayment Order?

A Rent Repayment Order is a legal way for tenants in Northern Ireland to reclaim up to one year’s rent if their landlord has committed certain housing offences, such as letting a property without the correct licence for a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). These rules are in place to protect renters and encourage landlords to uphold their legal responsibilities under official housing law.

When Can You Claim a Rent Repayment Order?

Not every complaint against a landlord leads to a Rent Repayment Order. Usually, RROs apply if your landlord:

• Rents out a property without a required HMO licence
• Fails to comply with an improvement notice or prohibition order
• Illegally evicts or harasses tenants

The full list of qualifying offences can be found in the Housing (Multiple Occupation) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016^[1].

How Much Rent Can You Recover?

If the Residential Property Tribunal in Northern Ireland decides in your favour, you can get back up to 12 months of rent paid during the period your landlord committed the offence. For example, if your landlord let an HMO property without a licence for eight months, you may be entitled to eight months' worth of rent, even if you have since moved out.

The actual amount awarded depends on:

• The seriousness of the offence
• Your conduct as a tenant
• How long the offence occurred
• Any rent you paid during the offence period

How To Apply for a Rent Repayment Order in Northern Ireland

Applications for Rent Repayment Orders are made to the Residential Property Tribunal for Northern Ireland.^[2] This is the official body responsible for hearing disputes between tenants and landlords.

Required form:

• Application to the Residential Property Tribunal:
  Application Form (Residential Property Tribunal)

Complete this form if you want the tribunal to consider your claim. For example, if your landlord rented an unlicensed HMO for 10 months, fill in the Application Form, explain your case, attach supporting documents (such as tenancy agreements and payment records), and submit it to the tribunal following the instructions on the form.

After your application, the tribunal will notify your landlord and may ask both parties for more information or evidence before making a decision.

What Happens at the Tribunal?

The tribunal may hold a hearing or decide your case based on written evidence. They will consider the seriousness of the landlord’s offence and any impact it had on you as a tenant before deciding how much rent should be repaid.

Key Legal Information for Renters

• Eligibility period: You must apply within 12 months of the landlord’s offence ending.
• Shared House? Each tenant can apply for their share of the rent – you don’t have to apply together.
• Who decides? Only the Residential Property Tribunal can make a Rent Repayment Order in Northern Ireland.

This process helps ensure landlords meet their legal duties according to the HMO licensing scheme. For more about your rights, see the Housing (Multiple Occupation) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply for a Rent Repayment Order if I have already moved out?
   Yes. As long as you apply within 12 months of the offence ending and have evidence of your tenancy and rent payments, you can apply even if you no longer live at the property.
2. Do all landlords in Northern Ireland need an HMO licence?
   Only landlords renting out properties where three or more people from two or more families live and share facilities need an HMO licence. See the official HMO licensing guidance for details.
3. How is the amount to be repaid calculated?
   The tribunal considers the total rent paid during the period of the offence, the severity, and circumstances, up to a maximum of 12 months’ rent.
4. Are legal costs covered by a Rent Repayment Order?
   No, a Rent Repayment Order only covers the return of rent paid; it does not cover extra legal or personal costs.
5. Can I get help with my application?
   Yes. Contact the Housing Rights service for free advice, or use the resources listed below for support.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Residential Property Tribunal for Northern Ireland (official disputes and applications)
• Housing Rights (free housing advice for renters in Northern Ireland)
• NI Direct – Housing Contacts (official government enquiries line)
• HMO Licensing Information from NI Direct

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1. [1] Qualifying offences and RRO details - Housing (Multiple Occupation) Act (NI) 2016, Part 4
2. [2] Residential Property Tribunal for Northern Ireland

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