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Private sector enforcement

Enforcement options to deal with private sector landlords, including Rent Repayment Orders and Banning Orders.

This content applies to England

  • Local authority enforcement duties

    A local authority has a duty to enforce breaches of tenancy law by private landlords, and can impose a financial penalty or pursue a criminal prosecution.

  • Rent repayment orders from 1 May 2026

    An occupier or local authority can apply for a rent repayment order (RRO) requiring a landlord who has committed an offence to repay rent, housing benefit or universal credit.

  • Banning orders

    Application for banning orders at the discretion of local authorities, effect of a banning order and sanctions for breaching it. 

  • Rogue landlord database

    The rogue landlord database records landlords and agents that are subject to a banning order or have committed a banning order offence.

  • Rent repayment orders before 1 May 2026

    When an occupier or local authority can apply for a rent repayment order (RRO) requiring a landlord who has committed an offence before 1 May 2026 to repay rent, housing benefit or universal credit.

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