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Universal Credit and utility deductions: the arithmetic that shrinks (or saves) your claim
An RRO repays rent you actually paid. Two deductions do most of the work in practice.
Universal Credit housing payments
If UC's housing element paid any of your rent, that portion is deducted. Bring every UC award letter for the whole offence period — the tribunal needs the monthly housing element, not a guess. Mixed months (part paid by you, part by UC) are calculated proportionally.
Utilities included in rent
Where the rent included bills, tribunals deduct the utility element following the *Acheampong v Roman* line of cases: that part of the payment bought gas and electricity, not accommodation. Practical effect: bills-included flatshares see awards trimmed by roughly the utility share of the rent.
Document both before you apply
- UC: award letters, payment statements, the UC journal.
- Utilities: the tenancy's bills clause, bills in the landlord’s name, your contribution arrangements.
The EvidenceCanvas RRO engine computes both deductions from your documents and produces the schedule the form asks for.
*Reviewed by Sean McNamara. Last verified 2026-09-04.*
Ready to claim? The EvidenceCanvas RRO engine calculates 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. Priced per artifact — typical 5–6 Action Credits, about £22–£27 — not a percentage of your award.
Reviewed by Sean McNamara against legislation.gov.uk, GOV.UK tribunal guidance and council registers. Last verified: 2026-09-04.
Housing disputes often run alongside family proceedings; for that side of the picture, the guides for dads in family court on FamilyCourtDad.co.uk cover hearings, evidence and child arrangements.