Renting ·
Renting in London: What Tenants Can (and Can't) Be Charged
Holding deposits, security deposits and the fees that were banned — a plain-English guide to the Tenant Fees Act.
Since the Tenant Fees Act 2019, most upfront fees for tenants in England have been banned. Here's what is — and isn't — allowed.
What you may pay
- A holding deposit of up to one week's rent to reserve a property.
- A tenancy deposit of up to five weeks' rent (six weeks if the annual rent is £50,000 or more), protected in a government scheme.
- Rent, and bills you're responsible for under your tenancy.
- Capped fees for changes you request, and reasonable costs for lost keys or late rent where your agreement allows.
What you can't be charged
- Referencing, admin or "set-up" fees.
- Check-in or inventory fees.
- Fees for renewing your tenancy.
Our full schedule is on our tenant fees page. If you're looking for your next home, browse homes to rent.
