WHAT IS A RENT REPAYMENT ORDER (RRO)?
Overview
A Rent Repayment Order (RRO) is a legal process that allows tenants to reclaim up to 12 months’ rent from their landlord when the landlord has broken certain housing laws.
The most common reason?
Renting out a property that should have been licensed but wasn’t.
When Can You Claim an RRO?
You may be eligible if, while renting privately, your landlord:
- Rented out an unlicensed HMO (house in multiple occupation)
- Rented out a property without the required Selective or Additional licence
- Harassed or illegally evicted you
- Failed to comply with a formal improvement notice
- Violated a banning order or committed other serious offences
Most common trigger? Unlicensed HMOs — especially in boroughs like Barking & Dagenham, Newham, and Brent.
How Much Rent Can I Claim Back?
You can claim up to 24 months’ worth of rent, even if you’ve moved out.
For example:
If you paid £750/month and lived there 24 months while it was unlicensed,
You may be eligible for up to £18,000 back.
We assess each case uniquely to determine your likely exact amount.
How Long Does It Take?
The full process can take 3 to 6 months depending on the case and whether your landlord settles or disputes the claim.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
No…
…
Do I Need a Lawyer?
No — tenants are allowed to represent themselves, and some councils or charities offer limited help.
However, the process involves:
- Gathering and submitting evidence
- Writing a tribunal application
- Communicating with your landlord
- Possibly attending a hearing
That’s where LTS can help (more below ).
How LTS Helps You
Unlike other services that just assess your eligibility and send you elsewhere, LTS stays with you through the process — from initial check to compensation payout.
| Service Provider | Cost to Tenant | Service Scope | Legal Support | Common Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LTS (London Tenant Services) | No upfront fees Only if you win | End-to-end support (forms, letters, tribunal guidance) | Guidance within legal limits (no reserved activities) | ~20–25% max (no VAT) |
| Tenant Angels | Free | Eligibility check only | Referred solicitor handles it | 35% incl. VAT (to solicitor) |
| Local Council | Free | Patchy or slow support | Limited | Free |
| Solicitor (private) | £££ upfront or high % | Full legal representation | Yes | 30–40% or flat fee |
| Do-It-Yourself | Free | You handle everything | None | Free |
LTS is the only service built solely for tenants — offering clear advice, fast action, and no upfront cost.
What Makes LTS Different?
We focus only on Rent Repayment Orders
Not general legal advice, not landlord work — just tenants like you.
Risk-free: no win, no fee
We only charge if you succeed. And we charge less than most legal services.
You’re not alone
We guide you through every form, deadline, and conversation — even if it goes to tribunal.
Think You Might Qualify?
It’s free, fast, and completely confidential.