Blog & Tenant Guides

Practical guides for private renters across Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Islington, Newham, Haringey, Waltham Forest, Southwark, Lambeth, Brent and Lewisham. We explain your rights, the law, and what you can claim — in plain English.

✦ New 9 August 2026 · 5 min read

My Landlord Didn't Protect My Deposit — What Can I Claim?

If your landlord failed to protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme, you could be owed 1–3 times the deposit amount. Here's how to check and what to claim.

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✦ New 9 August 2026 · 4 min read

How Do I Check If My Deposit Is Protected?

A step-by-step guide to checking whether your landlord protected your deposit with DPS, mydeposits or the TDS — and what it means if you can't find it.

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✦ New 9 August 2026 · 5 min read

Can I Claim 3 Times My Deposit?

Courts can award between one and three times your deposit in compensation. Here's what actually determines where your claim falls in that range.

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✦ New 22 June 2026 · 8 min read

New Rent Repayment Order Offences Under the Renters' Rights Act

The Renters' Rights Act adds six new offences that qualify for a Rent Repayment Order — including misusing a possession ground and PRS Database breaches. Here is what's new and what it means for you.

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✦ New 5 April 2026 · 7 min read

Renters' Rights Act 2026 — What Changes on 1 May and What It Means for You

From 1 May 2026, the Renters' Rights Act abolishes Section 21, converts all tenancies to rolling monthly agreements, and gives tenants stronger protections than ever before. Here is what you need to know.

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Deposit 12 March 2025 · 5 min read

Prescribed Information — What Is It and Did Your Landlord Give It to You?

Most tenants know landlords must protect their deposit — but far fewer know about the separate legal requirement to serve Prescribed Information. Missing this gives you an additional claim even if the deposit was protected on time.

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Licensing 5 March 2025 · 6 min read

HMO Licensing in Islington — What Tenants in Shared Houses Need to Know

Islington operates borough-wide additional HMO licensing — meaning virtually every shared property of three or more people needs a licence. If your landlord does not hold one, you can apply to recover up to 12 months of rent.

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Deposit 26 February 2025 · 4 min read

Can I Claim Deposit Compensation After Moving Out?

One of the most common questions we hear from tenants. The short answer is yes — you have six years from the date of the breach to bring a deposit compensation claim. Here is everything you need to know.

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Licensing 18 February 2025 · 7 min read

Newham Selective Licensing — A Complete Guide for Tenants

Newham operates one of England's most extensive selective licensing schemes — covering virtually every privately rented property in the borough. Here is what that means for tenants and why so many have valid claims they do not know about.

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Eviction 10 February 2025 · 5 min read

Received a Section 21 Notice? Here Are Four Things to Check Immediately

A Section 21 notice does not always mean your landlord can evict you. If your landlord failed to protect your deposit, did not serve Prescribed Information, or breached licensing requirements, the notice may be invalid.

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RRO 3 February 2025 · 6 min read

Rent Repayment Orders — How They Work and How Much You Can Claim

A Rent Repayment Order allows tenants to recover up to 12 months of rent where a landlord has committed a housing offence — most commonly renting without the correct licence. This guide explains the full process.

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RRO 12 August 2026 · 7 min read

RRO for an Unlicensed HMO

Renting a room or flat in a shared house? If your landlord didn't hold the required HMO licence, you could recover up to 12 months of rent. Here's how to check and claim.

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RRO 12 August 2026 · 6 min read

RRO for Selective Licensing Offences

Selective licensing applies to every private rental in a designated area, not just shared houses. If your landlord didn't hold one, you may have a valid claim.

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RRO 12 August 2026 · 6 min read

RRO for Additional HMO Licensing

Additional licensing schemes lower the HMO threshold in many boroughs — sometimes to just three occupants. Here's what that means for your claim.

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RRO 12 August 2026 · 8 min read

The RRO Tribunal Process: What Happens at a Hearing

From application to decision — a step-by-step walkthrough of what actually happens when an RRO claim goes to the First-tier Tribunal.

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RRO 12 August 2026 · 5 min read

How Much Does It Cost to Make an RRO Claim?

Tribunal fees, legal costs, and how no-win-no-fee arrangements work — a clear breakdown of what pursuing a Rent Repayment Order actually costs.

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RRO 12 August 2026 · 7 min read

What Evidence Do You Need for a Rent Repayment Order?

A practical checklist of what evidence proves your landlord committed a qualifying offence, and where to find it.

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RRO 12 August 2026 · 6 min read

Can Several Tenants Claim Together?

Can housemates make a joint RRO claim, and does it matter if your landlord is a limited company? Here's how both situations work.

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RRO 12 August 2026 · 5 min read

RRO Time Limits: How Long Do You Have to Apply?

How the 12-month application window is calculated for continuing licensing offences — and why tenants who've stayed years can still claim.

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