Rent Officer (RO) is an independent public official in the United Kingdom who is responsible for determining the fair market rent levels for private rental properties. This role is part of the UK’s housing benefit system, which helps low-income households pay for their housing costs. The scope of the Rent Officer’s role covers both the determination of the rent levels and the monitoring of the private rental market. The Rent Officer is expected to make fair and reasonable determinations of the rent levels which are in line with the UK’s housing benefit regulations. The Rent Officer also has the power to review and amend rent levels if the market conditions change and the rent charged is no longer in line with the regulations. The Rent Officer is a vital part of the UK’s housing benefit system, helping to ensure that low-income households can access suitable, affordable accommodation.