Tenant Fees
A Clear Guide to Tenant Fees in the UKUnderstanding what you can and cannot be charged for when renting a property.
Our Commitment to Fair & Transparent Fees
We believe that renting a property should be a straightforward and transparent process. In line with the Tenant Fees Act 2019, we are committed to ensuring that tenants are fully aware of any and all permitted payments that may be required before, during, and at the end of a tenancy. This guide explains exactly what you can expect, with no hidden costs or surprises.
What are the Permitted Tenant Fees?
Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, the vast majority of letting fees are now banned. Landlords and letting agents can only charge for the following, which are known as ‘Permitted Payments’:
Rent
The agreed monthly rent for the property.
Payments to Change the Tenancy
Capped at £50 (or reasonable costs if higher).
Payments for Utilities, Council Tax, etc.
Payments for Early Termination of the Tenancy
For late payment of rent and replacement of a lost key/security device.
A Refundable Tenancy Deposit
Capped at five weeks’ rent (or six weeks’ if the annual rent exceeds £50,000).
A Refundable Holding Deposit
Capped at one week’s rent to reserve the property.
Default Fees
Your property is showcased to our huge database of waiting buyers, ensuring maximum interest.
What Fees are Banned for Tenants?
We will never charge you for any of the following banned fees:
- Viewing fees
- Tenancy set-up fees
- Referencing fees
- Check-in or check-out inventory fees
- Admin charges
A Detailed Breakdown of Your Tenancy Costs
The Holding Deposit
This is a payment of up to one week’s rent to reserve your chosen property. If your tenancy proceeds, this amount is then put towards your first month’s rent or your security deposit.
The Tenancy Deposit
This is a payment of up to five weeks’ rent which is held for the duration of your tenancy. It is protected in a government-approved scheme and is returned to you at the end of the tenancy, subject to the property being left in good condition.
Default Fees (Late Rent & Lost Keys)
You can only be charged a fee for late rent payment if you are more than 14 days in arrears. The fee is capped at 3% above the Bank of England’s base rate. For lost keys or security fobs, you can only be charged for the reasonable, evidenced cost of a replacement.
Independent Redress and Client Money Protection
RGA Property Solutions is a member of The Property Ombudsman (TPO), which provides a free and impartial dispute resolution service. We also hold full Client Money Protection (CMP), which ensures that any client money we hold, such as rent or deposits, is safe and secure.
Fair, transparent, honest.
Do You Have a Question About Fees?
We want you to feel confident and informed at every stage of your rental journey. If you have any questions about tenant fees or any part of the renting process, our friendly team is always here to help.