Rent repayment orders doubled to two years: how to protect yourself

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 doubled the maximum rent repayment order from 12 months to 24 months of rent. For offences committed on or after 1 May 2026, tenants can now recover up to two years of rent through the First-tier Tribunal.

Which offences qualify

Rent repayment orders can be sought for a range of housing offences including operating an unlicensed HMO, operating without a required selective or additional licence, breach of a banning order, illegal eviction, harassment of occupiers, and failure to comply with an improvement notice.

The Renters' Rights Act also added new qualifying offences: knowingly or recklessly misusing a possession ground, and breach of restrictions on letting or marketing after using certain possession grounds.

How the tribunal calculates the award

The tribunal starts with the maximum amount, which is the rent paid during the period of the offence, up to two years. It then considers factors including the landlord's conduct, financial circumstances, and whether they have been convicted or received a civil penalty for the same offence.

If the landlord has already been convicted or fined, the tribunal must order the maximum amount unless there are exceptional circumstances.

The financial exposure is significant

A property renting at £1,200 per month creates a maximum RRO exposure of £28,800 over two years. For a five-bed HMO at £700 per room, the exposure could exceed £84,000.

How to protect yourself

The answer is straightforward: comply with every licensing, safety, and management requirement. Ensure every licence is in place and current. Keep every certificate up to date. Follow every notice and improvement order. The cost of compliance is always a fraction of the cost of an RRO.