What you should never pay
Since the Tenant Fees Act 2019 came into force, a landlord or agent in England cannot charge you for referencing, an inventory, a tenancy agreement, administration, or simply viewing a property. If anybody asks you for a fee like that, it is unlawful — please report the listing.
What can lawfully be charged: rent, a refundable tenancy deposit capped at five weeks' rent (six where the annual rent is £50,000 or more), a refundable holding deposit of up to one week's rent, and later charges for things like lost keys or a change you request to the tenancy.
Before you view
- Send your enquiry through the site so you have a record of it.
- Never transfer money to hold a property you have not seen.
- Be wary of any landlord who will not meet you at the property.
At the viewing
- Ask to see the Gas Safety Certificate and the Electrical Installation Condition Report.
- Check for damp, the water pressure, and whether the heating works.
- Find out what the EPC rating means for your bills — it must be shown on the advert.
- Ask who is responsible for repairs and how to report one.
Before you sign
- Read the tenancy agreement fully. Ask about anything you do not follow.
- Confirm which deposit protection scheme will be used — your deposit must be protected within 30 days, and you must be given the prescribed information.
- Agree an inventory with photographs, signed by both of you.
- You should receive the government's How to Rent guide, the EPC, and the gas and electrical certificates.
If something goes wrong
Raise repairs with your landlord in writing first. If they are not dealt with, your local council's environmental health team can inspect the property. Shelter offers free advice on 0808 800 4444.
This guide is general information, not legal advice.