Rent Repayment Orders & Fines: What’s coming!? ⚠️
There’s also a growing number of no win, no fee claims, which means tenants have very little to lose by bringing an RRO claim. What do Gravesend Landlords need to know.
The Renters’ Rights Act brings some of the biggest enforcement changes landlords have seen in years. Two of the most important are the expansion of Rent Repayment Orders (RROs) and the wider use of civil penalties by local councils.
In simple terms: penalties are getting tougher, easier to apply, and more expensive 💷. If you’re a landlord in Gravesham or the surrounding areas, it’s vital to understand what’s changing and how to protect yourself.
What Is a Rent Repayment Order (RRO)? 📄
A Rent Repayment Order allows a tenant (or the council) to claim back rent a landlord has already been paid if certain housing offences have been committed.
Under the new rules, an RRO can require repayment of:
• Up to 12 months’ rent to the tenant, or
• Up to 12 months’ housing support to the council (if benefits were paid)
The amount depends on how serious the breach was and whether there’s a history of non-compliance.
What Can Trigger an RRO? 🚨
RROs can apply in more situations than before, including:
• Letting a property that needs a licence without having one (e.g. HMO or selective licensing)
• Unlawful eviction or harassment
• Ignoring improvement notices or prohibition orders
• Serious or repeated breaches of landlord duties
• Providing false or misleading information
Importantly, a criminal prosecution is not needed for a tenant to bring a claim. This makes it much easier for tenants to take action.
Civil Penalties: Fines from the Council 💸
Local authorities can also issue civil penalties instead of prosecuting landlords through the courts.
• Fines can be up to £30,000 per offence
• Multiple fines can be issued for multiple breaches
• Repeat issues can lead to escalating enforcement
In some cases, a landlord could face both a civil penalty and a Rent Repayment Order.
What This Means in Practice for Gravesham Landlords 🤝
Enforcement is becoming more proactive, more tenant-led, and more financially painful. Different councils may take slightly different approaches, but the overall direction is clear: paperwork, licensing, and compliance really matter now.
There’s also a growing number of no win, no fee claims, which means tenants have very little to lose by bringing an RRO claim - even for technical or historic issues. This makes good records and prompt action more important than ever 📂.
What You Should Do Now ✅
To reduce your risk:
• Make sure all required licences are in place and up to date
• Keep clear records (tenancy agreements, safety certificates, EPCs, deposits, repairs)
• Act quickly on any council notices or issues
• Consider using a professional managing agent to stay on top of compliance (📞 Give us a call on 01474 321957!)
• Take advice before a problem turns into a claim
The Bottom Line
These changes are designed to hit bad landlords harder - but they can also catch out decent landlords who fall behind on compliance. Staying organised and proactive is the best protection.
If you want to check whether your Gravesham property is fully compliant, or you’d like help managing risk going forward, speak to us at M&M Estate & Letting Agents 💬. A quick conversation now could save you a very expensive headache later.
📞 Got a question straight away? Contact our team - we're here and ready to help!
📍 M&M Estate Agents, Gravesend, DA12 1AH
📞 01474 321957
📧 lettings@mandmprop.co.uk
