Houses in multiple occupation (HMO)

Licensing for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

Rent repayment orders (RRO)

Tenants and former tenants can reclaim up to 12 months' rent with a rent repayment order (RRO) if the landlord has committed a housing-related offence. More information is available from Shelter.

A tenant can make an application to the First Tier Tribunal (FTT) for a RRO and this should be made as soon as possible.  

Tenants can get help with their application from a Citizens Advice Bureau, a student union or other organisations offering housing advice. 

The laws protecting tenants still apply where an RRO has been applied for and a landlord has no right to make a tenant leave their home because they are applying for a RRO. 

Only private tenants and the council can apply for RROs. This option is not available to council tenants or tenants of housing associations.

If a tenant receiving housing benefit/universal credit makes an application for a rent repayment order the money will be awarded to the council.