Private tenants, especially in London, have been exasperated by rising rents, rip-off agent fees and disgraceful living conditions in a property market where tenancy laws seem to favour the landlord. Now, however, little-known legislation has given tenants important powers to get up to 12 months’ rent back from unscrupulous landlords.
The Housing and Planning Act 2016 gives tenants the right to make direct applications for their rent to be repaid by landlords who have broken the law: called a Rent Repayment Order (RRO).
A Rent Repayment Order can be made for properties that were not correctly licensed, but you can also apply for one if your landlord has:
- Harassed you
- Illegally evicted you from your home
- Used violence to gain entry to your home
- Not carried out repairs ordered by the Local Authority (LA)
Tenants applying for a RRO are also protected from what is known as “revenge eviction”.
Even if you live in a studio or smaller flat in a London borough who has what are called “selective” or “additional” licensing schemes (Camden has the latter), you could get your rent back. To find out what kind of licensing scheme your Council operates go here and click on “SELECT BOROUGH”.
Licensed properties have to meet stricter safety requirements and are open to inspection by the Council, so RRO applications help drive up better housing standards.
If you’re thinking about making an application for an RRO but would like to know more or would like some help with one – get in touch with us and we’ll point you in the direction of people who can help you.
