Tenant Fees

In accordance with the Tenant Fees Act 2019, tenants are no longer required to pay fees for viewings, referencing, credit checks, tenancy renewals, inventories, or general administration. Only the permitted payments listed below may be charged.

Tenant Fees Schedule

For New Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) signed on or after 1 June 2019

Holding Deposit (per tenancy)

One week’s rent

This is paid to reserve a property while referencing and pre-tenancy checks are completed. The holding deposit may be retained if:

• The tenant (or any relevant person, including a guarantor) withdraws from the tenancy
• The tenant fails a Right to Rent check
• The tenant provides false or misleading information which materially affects the tenancy
• The tenant fails to take reasonable steps to enter into the tenancy agreement within 15 calendar days (or another deadline mutually agreed in writing)

Where the tenancy proceeds, the holding deposit will be deducted from the move-in monies.

Tenancy Deposit (Security Deposit)

• Five weeks’ rent where the annual rent is below £50,000
• Six weeks’ rent where the annual rent is £50,000 or more

This deposit covers damages or defaults on the part of the tenant during the tenancy and will be protected in a Government-approved tenancy deposit scheme.

Rent

Payable as agreed in the tenancy agreement.

Unpaid Rent (Late Payment)

Interest may be charged at 3% above the Bank of England Base Rate, calculated daily from the date the rent becomes overdue. This charge will only apply once the rent has been outstanding for more than 14 days.

Lost Keys or Other Security Devices

Tenants are responsible for the reasonable cost actually incurred for replacing lost keys or other security devices. Where the loss results in locks needing to be changed, the cost of a locksmith, new lock and replacement keys for the tenant, landlord and any other relevant parties may be charged. Any charges will be supported by evidence and limited to reasonable costs incurred.

Variation of Contract (Tenant’s Request)

£50 (inclusive of VAT) per agreed variation, or reasonable costs incurred if higher (which will be evidenced). This applies to changes requested by the tenant, such as amending tenancy terms.

Change of Sharer (Tenant’s Request)

£50 (inclusive of VAT) per replacement tenant, or reasonable costs incurred if higher (which will be evidenced). This covers landlord instruction, referencing, Right to Rent checks, deposit registration updates and the preparation of new legal documentation.

Early Termination (Tenant’s Request)

Should the tenant wish to leave the tenancy before the end of the fixed term, they will be liable for the landlord’s reasonable costs incurred in re-letting the property, together with rent due until a replacement tenancy commences. These costs will not exceed the total rent outstanding under the tenancy and will be supported by evidence upon request.

Other Permitted Payments

• Utilities: water, gas, electricity or other fuel
• Council Tax
• Communication services: telephone (excluding mobile), internet, satellite or cable television
• TV licence
• Green Deal or other permitted energy efficiency charges

Important Notice

No other fees, charges or payments are permitted under the Tenant Fees Act 2019. This legislation applies to England only.

If you have any questions regarding permitted fees or payments, please speak to a member of our team.