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ARTICLE · 04 NOVEMBER 2021

Case Summary: Gurusinghe V Drumlin Ltd [2021] UKUT 268 (LC)

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The tenant appellants had applied for rent repayment orders naming two parties they understood to be their landlords, for managing an unlicensed house in multiple occupation.

United KingdomReal Estate and Construction
Carl Brewin
Carl Brewin

Gurusinghe v Drumlin Ltd  [2021] UKUT 268 (LC)

Where tenants incorrectly identify their landlord when making an application for a rent repayment order, the First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) has no power to substitute the correct landlord where the 12 month limitation period in the Housing and Planning Act 2016 has expired.

In Gurusinghe v Drumlin Ltd  [2021] UKUT 268 (LC) David Hodge QC dismissed the appeal of tenants of a house in multiple occupation who had sought to overturn the refusal of the First-Tier Tribunal to substitute a new respondent to applications for rent repayment orders after the expiry of the limitation period.

Rent repayment orders require repayment of up a sum up to a maximum of 12 months' rent, housing benefit or the housing costs element of universal credit paid in respect of a tenancy or licence by a landlord or agent who has breached their obligations amounting to an offence including:

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