Tenant fees advice

The law applies to private sector residential tenancies such as:

• assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs)
• student accommodation
• licensed housing such as Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

Which fees and charges are allowed

A landlord or letting agent can legally ask for:

• the rent
• a refundable tenancy deposit
• payments to change the tenancy
• a refundable holding deposit to reserve a property
• payments associated with early termination of the tenancy
• payments for utilities, communication services, TV licence and council tax
• a default fee where required under a tenancy agreement for late payment of rent or replacement of a lost key/security device giving access to the housing

Under consumer law, landlords, letting agents and property managers must clearly display all fees and charges on their promotional material, websites and property portals.

How we enforce the law

We have powers to investigate breaches of the law. Any landlords and letting agents found to be non-compliant may be liable to a fine (financial penalty notice).

Tenant Fees Enforcement Policy (PDF, 404 KB)

More information

• Gov.uk: Tenant Fees Act 2019 - guidance provides more information for landlords, letting agents and tenants.
• Bristol City Council: student tenancies
• Trading Standards South West: letting legally