What is a Rent Repayment Order?
A Rent Repayment Order (RRO) is a legal remedy that can let tenants reclaim rent paid when a landlord has committed certain offences, for example operating without a required licence or carrying out an illegal eviction. Claims are usually decided by the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), which considers evidence and decides whether repayment is due.[1] RROs draw on provisions in UK housing legislation and related guidance for England and Wales.[2]
When you can apply
- You paid rent for a short-term let while the landlord was unlicensed or in breach of a local licensing scheme.
- You were illegally evicted, harassed or pressured to leave during or after a short-term let.
- The landlord failed to comply with an improvement, prohibition or other statutory notice that affects the property.
- The property had major disrepair or safety defects that the landlord ignored and that led you to pay for alternative accommodation.
Applying: official forms and where to send them
There are two common official routes tenants use when seeking repayment in Wales: reporting the problem to the local/regulatory body that handles short-term let licensing, and making an application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
Application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) — form name: "Apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)" (no single printed form number; applications are made through the tribunal process). Use this to ask the tribunal for a Rent Repayment Order if you cannot resolve the issue with the landlord. Practical example: if you paid rent for a short-term let and the landlord was operating without a required licence, you collect evidence (receipts, messages, photos) and submit an application to the tribunal explaining the offence and the amount you seek. Official guidance and how to apply are on the Government site for the Property Chamber: First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).[1]
Report to Rent Smart Wales — form name: the online reporting form on the Rent Smart Wales site (no form number). Use this if you believe the short-term let required registration or licensing under Welsh rules. Practical example: you suspect a short-term let is unlicensed; you complete the online report with the address and dates you stayed so Rent Smart Wales can investigate. Official reporting and advice are on the Rent Smart Wales site: Rent Smart Wales.[3]
What to include with your application
- Receipts, bank transfers or screenshots proving the rent amount and dates you paid.
- Copies of the short-term let listing, contract, messages or emails that show the arrangement and the landlord's identity.
- Any notices, inspection reports, or correspondence showing the landlord failed to comply with statutory notices.
- Dates for the alleged offence, the date you reported the issue, and any deadline-sensitive steps you have taken.
FAQ
- Who can apply for a Rent Repayment Order in Wales?
- Tenants or former tenants who paid rent for a short-term let where the landlord committed qualifying offences such as operating without a required licence, illegal eviction, or failing to comply with statutory notices.
- How long do I have to apply?
- Time limits can vary depending on the offence. You should check current guidance and apply as soon as reasonably possible; the tribunal or regulatory body can advise on specific deadlines.
- Where do I send my application or report?
- Report licensing issues to Rent Smart Wales, and submit a Rent Repayment Order application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) if you are claiming repayment.
How-To
- Gather evidence: receipts, photos, messages and any notices affecting the property.
- Contact the landlord in writing to request repayment or explain the breach, and keep a copy.
- Report unlicensed activity to Rent Smart Wales using their online reporting tool.
- Complete the tribunal application process via the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) with your evidence and a clear statement of the amount claimed.
- Attend any hearing (in person or remote), present your evidence calmly, and follow the tribunal’s directions.
Key Takeaways
- Rent Repayment Orders let tenants reclaim rent in specific cases where landlords commit defined offences.
- Strong, dated evidence and written records greatly strengthen a claim.
- Act promptly: check time limits and report unlicensed activity without delay.
