Rent-to-rent in West Suffolk: who is really liable
The structure
Rent-to-rent: a company leases the property from the owner (superior landlord), then sub-lets rooms to you. You pay the company; the company pays (or doesn't pay) the owner. Both may be unlicensed — and both may hold offences.
Why claimants get this wrong
Pre-2026, *Rakusen v Jepsen* confined RROs to the immediate landlord — the company you never chose. Tenants sued the owner and got struck out. Under the Renters' Rights Act regime (offences on or after 1 May 2026) the superior landlord can also be named where the immediate landlord cannot or will not pay, or where both committed the offence — the full change list.
Establishing who is who in West Suffolk
- Your tenancy agreement names your counterparty — the immediate landlord.
- Companies House (free): search that name. Note directors, status, other dissolved companies.
- HM Land Registry (£3): the registered proprietor of the address — the usual superior landlord.
- Check whether *either* entity holds the licence: the West Suffolk register.
The rent-to-rent trap in claims
An intermediate company with no assets can make an award worthless — which is exactly why the superior-landlord route matters. Name both from the start where the facts support it, and serve the notice of intended proceedings on both.
*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.