Can I Claim Rent Repayment if My Landlord Fixed the Issue in Wales?

If you’re renting in Wales and discovered your landlord has broken the law—perhaps by failing to licence the property, or not addressing serious disrepair—you might wonder about your rights to claim compensation or a Rent Repayment Order (RRO), especially if your landlord fixes the problem after you’ve complained. Understanding what you can still do, even after the issue is resolved, is crucial in protecting your rights as a renter in Wales.

What Is a Rent Repayment Order (RRO) in Wales?

Rent Repayment Orders (RROs) let tenants recover up to 12 months’ rent if the landlord has committed certain housing offences, like renting out an unlicensed property or ignoring improvement notices. In Wales, these are governed under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 and managed by the Residential Property Tribunal for Wales (official site).

If the Landlord Rectifies the Breach—Can You Still Claim?

If your landlord fixes the issue (for example, obtains a licence after being unlicensed, or resolves a repair problem), you may still make a claim for past breaches. The Tribunal will consider:

• The seriousness and duration of the breach (e.g., how long the property was unlicensed)
• How quickly the landlord took action to fix the issue after being notified
• Whether you were affected by the problem (such as suffering due to unsafe conditions)

The fact that your landlord has now complied does NOT erase the right to claim for the period when they were in breach. However, it may influence how much rent you’re awarded back—the Tribunal could reduce the amount if the landlord took prompt or reasonable steps after being notified.

How to Apply for a Rent Repayment Order in Wales

Follow these basic steps to make your claim:

• Check your eligibility—was your landlord unlicensed, or did they commit another relevant offence during your tenancy?
• Gather evidence—emails, tenancy agreements, correspondence about the issue, rent payment proof, and details on how long the offence lasted.
• Complete the Rent Repayment Order application (official form RPT-16W).
• Submit your application to the Residential Property Tribunal for Wales.

The official form you’ll need is:

• Application for a Rent Repayment Order (Form RPT-16W): Used when you want the Tribunal to order your landlord to repay rent for a period of breach. You must explain the breach (e.g., no licence or ignoring improvement notices). Download the RPT-16W form here.

Example: If your landlord operated unlicensed from June to December, and only got a licence in January after you complained, you can apply for an RRO covering those 7 months.

What Could Affect the Rent Repayment Order Outcome?

The Tribunal considers several things to decide whether—and how much—rent to order back:

• The length of time the landlord was in breach
• Whether the landlord has a prior history of similar breaches
• Whether you’ve been harmed by the issue (e.g., health, comfort, safety)
• Steps the landlord took after learning of the problem—quick, responsible action may reduce how much they owe

Note: There is usually a 12-month time limit to claim from the date of the offence.

Relevant Legislation and Tribunal in Wales

For matters of Rent Repayment Orders and housing offences in Wales, laws fall mainly under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014. The Residential Property Tribunal for Wales is the official independent body handling RROs and other tenancy-related disputes.

Keep thorough records of all contact with your landlord, copies of your tenancy agreement, and any evidence of problems or disrepair.

FAQs: Rent Repayment If the Landlord Has Fixed the Problem in Wales

1. Can I claim a Rent Repayment Order if my landlord fixed the issue after I complained?
   Yes. You can still claim for the period the offence took place, even if your landlord has now complied. The Tribunal decides how much is fair based on the circumstances.
2. What if my landlord got their licence late—can I get all my past rent back?
   You may be able to get up to 12 months’ rent for the months the property was unlicensed, but the Tribunal will look at how serious the breach was and how quickly your landlord acted.
3. Do I still need to provide evidence if the problem is now fixed?
   Yes. Keep evidence of when the problem existed and any steps you took to get it resolved. This helps your case regardless of current compliance.
4. Who handles Rent Repayment Orders in Wales?
   The Residential Property Tribunal for Wales reviews and decides applications for Rent Repayment Orders in Wales.
5. Which form do I need for a Rent Repayment Order?
   Use the Application for a Rent Repayment Order (RPT-16W) form, available from the Tribunal’s website.

Key Takeaways

• You can still claim for past breaches even if the landlord resolves the issue.
• Always keep evidence of the problem, your requests for repair or compliance, and your rent payments.
• The Tribunal will decide the amount of any Rent Repayment Order, considering how and when the landlord acted.

It's always helpful to understand the process and your rights, as some claims are still valid even after your landlord addresses the issue.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Wales

• Residential Property Tribunal for Wales: Independent body handling rent and repair disputes
• UK Government guide to private renting: Covers tenant rights and responsibilities
• Shelter Cymru: Free and confidential advice for all Wales renters
• Welsh Government housing pages: Information on housing law and tenant help

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1. Housing (Wales) Act 2014
2. Residential Property Tribunal for Wales
3. RPT-16W Rent Repayment Order Application Form

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