RHMORegister

Your rent repayment order hearing — what to expect (Reading claims)

The format

RRO hearings at the First-tier Tribunal are deliberately less formal than court. A judge sits with one or two tribunal members — for Reading claims, usually listed at or via the Residential property: Southern region. Many RRO hearings run by video; the tribunal's notice tells you the format, link and time.

The shape of the hearing

  1. The panel checks the papers — both bundles were filed under directions; the panel arrives having read them.
  2. Your case: you confirm your statement, walk the panel through the evidence (tenancy → payments → register check → deductions), and answer questions.
  3. The respondent's case: the landlord (or their representative) responds — typically attacking the licence evidence, the occupancy facts, or arguing deductions and conduct reduction.
  4. Questions from the panel — members probe anything unresolved.
  5. Decision: often reserved (in writing, weeks later), sometimes given orally. Either way it is published on GOV.UK with the property's street details anonymised to postcode level.

What wins in that room

Calm chronology. Exhibits that answer the panel's questions before they're asked. Knowing your own numbers cold: rent paid, UC received, months claimed. See the evidence checklist.

If you lose, and if you win

Either side may appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) on a point of law — permission required. A win is enforced like a judgment debt: payment normally within 28 days of the decision, enforceable in the county court after that.

*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.

See the RRO claim toolkit

Reviewed by Sean McNamara against legislation.gov.uk, GOV.UK tribunal guidance and council registers. Last verified: 2026-09-04.