What Rent Repayment Order Data Means for Renters

At Marks Out Of Tenancy, we’ve been digging deep into Rent Repayment Orders (RROs) from 2022 to mid-2024. To do this, we scanned thousands of decision PDFs from multiple First Tier Tribunals (FTTs) across the country. If you’re unfamiliar, FTTs are a type of court that handles disputes like housing issues, including cases where landlords fail to meet legal requirements. These tribunals play a key role in deciding whether tenants should get their rent back and how much they’re owed.

By analysing all this data, we uncovered important trends in how tenant rights are enforced—and what it all means for renters like you. Let’s break it down.

More Rent Repayment Orders Are Being Issued

The number of RRO cases has grown steadily, jumping 19% from 171 cases in 2022 to 203 in 2023. This means more tenants are standing up for their rights and taking action. However, early data for 2024 shows a potential dip, suggesting that 2024 might look more like 2022 in terms of case numbers.

For renters, this trend highlights growing awareness of tenant rights—but it also raises questions about what’s causing fewer cases this year. Are tenants facing barriers to filing RROs? Or are landlords improving their practices?

Tenants Are Claiming Less Rent Overall

The total rent claimed by tenants peaked in 2021 at over £2.4 million, before dropping significantly to £1.56 million in 2022. While claims rose again to £2.23 million in 2023, early 2024 data suggests a slower year, with only £1 million in claims so far. This decline could reflect several factors: tenants being less aware of their rights, landlords improving their practices, or fewer tenants taking the step to file RROs.

For renters, this shows the importance of knowing when you can claim rent back. Many tenants might not even realise they’re eligible to file for an RRO, leaving money on the table that could have been repaid.

Rent Repaid Is Falling, Even As Fines Rise

The total amount of rent repaid to tenants has steadily declined since 2021. Back then, tenants were reclaiming 72% of what they claimed—a strong success rate. By 2023, this had dropped to 46%, and early 2024 data shows an even lower rate of 41%. This means renters are now getting back less than half of the rent they’ve claimed.

At the same time, fines issued to landlords are increasing significantly. In 2021, fines totaled just £14,608, but by 2023, that figure soared to £22,750, with £12,800 already recorded for the first half of 2024. This suggests that while landlords are being penalised more often, the financial benefits for tenants are shrinking.

This decline could mean that landlords are better at challenging claims. It’s becoming harder for renters to recover the full rent they’re owed. If you’re thinking of filing an RRO, this trend underlines the importance of being well-prepared, whether that means gathering strong evidence or seeking expert advice.

Who Has Legal Representation Matters

One of the clearest patterns in the data is the gap in legal representation between landlords and tenants. While landlord representation has been dropping since 2021, they’re still far more likely to have a lawyer or professional advocate in RRO cases than tenants are.

This disparity matters because professional representation often leads to better outcomes. If you’re a renter considering an RRO, having access to legal or professional support could make a big difference. Unfortunately, the data suggests many tenants may not have the resources to access that kind of help. If you’re a tenant looking for representation for a Rent Repayment Order, reach out to Justice For Tenants, who can help you.

Evictions Remain a Steady Concern

One constant in the data is the mention of evictions in RRO cases. It’s a stark reminder that many renters face pressure to leave their homes, sometimes alongside rent repayment disputes. While the frequency hasn’t changed much over the years, it’s clear that eviction remains a major issue tied to housing justice.

What Does This All Mean for Renters?

The RRO data paints a mixed picture for renters. On one hand, more tenants are stepping forward and more fines are being issued. On the other hand, the amount tenants can recover is shrinking, and the lack of legal representation continues to disadvantage many renters.

If you’re dealing with a dodgy landlord or thinking about filing an RRO, here are a few takeaways:

• Knowledge is power. Understanding your rights is the first step to holding landlords accountable.
• Representation helps. If you can, seek legal or professional advice—it can make a big difference in your case.
• Stay persistent. Even if the odds seem stacked, RROs remain a critical tool for tenants to fight back against illegal landlord behaviour.

At Marks Out Of Tenancy, we’re here to help renters navigate these challenges. If you’ve been through an RRO case or have questions, we’d love to hear your story. Together, we can keep pushing for a fairer, more transparent rental system.