Rent repayment orders against letting agents — Tameside
Who the law actually targets
The RRO regime reaches a person who manages or is in control of the unlicensed property — not only the owner. A managing agent that manages an unlicensed HMO can be an offender in its own right (Housing Act 2004 s.72(1); s.95(1) for selective schemes).
When the agent is the right respondent
- The agent collects the rent and exercises day-to-day control (repairs, viewings, rules) — classic control-and-management facts.
- The agent is the entity on your tenancy agreement as landlord (some agents let in their own name then sub-license).
- Rent-to-rent structures where the "agent" is really your immediate landlord: who is liable.
When it is the landlord instead
A pure letting agent (introductory only — finds the tenant, steps away) is usually not managing. Name the person or company that managed the property during the offence period. Your tenancy agreement's "landlord" box, who you paid, and who sent contractors are the factual tests.
Filing against a Tameside agent
Same form, same tribunal (for Tameside: the Residential property: Northern region — contacts). Companies House check first: dissolve the risk of chasing a shell. The notice of intended proceedings goes to the agent's registered office and, where one exists, the superior landlord.
*Reviewed by Sean McNamara against legislation.gov.uk and GOV.UK guidance. Last verified 2026-09-04.*
Ready to claim? The Casewright RRO Pack helps you calculate the rent to reclaim (including Universal Credit and utility deductions), complete Form RRO1, and compile a bookmarked, searchable First-tier Tribunal applicant bundle. It is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. Flat £149 — no percentage of your award.
Reviewed by Sean McNamara against legislation.gov.uk, GOV.UK tribunal guidance and council registers. Last verified: 2026-09-04.