Tenant Fees
Transparent information about permitted payments under the Tenant Fees Act 2019.
Tenant Fees Act 2019
Since 1 June 2019, most letting fees charged to tenants have been banned in England. This page outlines the only payments that can lawfully be charged to tenants.The Good Estate Agent is fully compliant with this legislation.
Permitted Payments
The following payments may be required from tenants during the course of a tenancy.
Rent
The agreed monthly rent for the property.
Tenancy Deposit
Capped at 5 weeks' rent for tenancies under £50,000 per year, or 6 weeks' rent for tenancies of £50,000 or more per year. Must be protected in a government-approved scheme.
Holding Deposit
Capped at 1 week's rent. This is to reserve a property before an agreement is signed. The holding deposit is typically refunded or put towards the first month's rent.
Changes to Tenancy
If you request a change to the tenancy agreement after it has been signed, we may charge up to £50 (or reasonable costs if higher) per agreed variation.
Early Termination
If you wish to end your tenancy early, you may be charged the landlord's reasonable costs and any rent due until a new tenant is found or the fixed term ends.
Late Rent Payment
Interest may be charged at 3% above the Bank of England base rate on rent outstanding for 14 days or more.
Lost Keys or Security Devices
Reasonable costs for the replacement of keys, fobs, or security devices if lost by the tenant.
Utilities, Council Tax & Communications
Tenants are responsible for paying utility bills, council tax, and any communication services they arrange directly with suppliers.
Banned Fees
The following fees are prohibited under the Tenant Fees Act 2019. We do not charge any of these fees.
Deposit Protection
All tenancy deposits taken must be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days of receipt. The Good Estate Agent uses the following scheme(s):
- The Deposit Protection Service (DPS) - A government-backed custodial scheme
- Deposit protection information will be provided to you within 30 days of taking your deposit
- You will receive details of how to dispute any proposed deductions at the end of your tenancy
Deposit Caps
| Annual Rent | Maximum Deposit |
|---|---|
| Under £50,000 | 5 weeks' rent |
| £50,000 or more | 6 weeks' rent |
Holding Deposit Information
A holding deposit (capped at 1 week's rent) may be taken to reserve a property. Here's how it works:
When is the holding deposit refunded?
- If the landlord decides not to proceed with letting the property
- If the tenancy agreement isn't entered into within the 'deadline for agreement' (usually 15 days)
- On successful completion - put towards first month's rent or refunded
When can the holding deposit be retained?
- ×If you provide false or misleading information
- ×If you fail a Right to Rent check
- ×If you withdraw from the proposed agreement
- ×If you fail to take all reasonable steps to enter into the agreement
Questions About Fees?
If you have any questions about tenant fees or would like further clarification, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Email: info@thegoodestateagent.co.uk
Phone: 0330 223 0670