Tenant Fees now banned!
Landlords and estate agents in England will no longer be able to charge their tenants exploitative fees.
The changes coming into effect on 1 June 2019 will mean renters across the country will save an average of £400 when moving house or renewing a tenancy.
Landlords and agents could be fined £5,000 the first time they break the rules, and could be given an unlimited fine if they do so again.
What fees are banned?
- Admin fees
- Tenancy renewal fees
- Referencing fees
- Credit check fees
- Guarantor fees
- Check-out fees
- Cleaning fees, unless with good reason
- Gardening services
What can they still charge?
- Rent
- Utility bills and council tax
- A refundable security deposit (capped at 6 weeks rent)
- A refundable holding deposit (capped at 1 weeks rent)
- Changes to tenancy requested by tenant (capped at £50)
- Early terminated of the tenancy requested by tenant
- Defaults by the tenant
What about Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland?
Scotland - letting fees have been banned since 2012.
Wales - fees will be banned under a new law from September.
Northern Ireland - fees at the start or renewal of a tenancy have been banned since 1986 but it is still possible to be charged fees during the tenancy. These include late payment penalties and administrative charges for changes to tenancy agreements.
Matthew Geer, Campaigns Manager at Turn2us, said:
“After decades of high housing costs and exploitative practices, the Tenant Fees Act is very welcome news for renters.
“These fees have long caused serious problems for tenants, who have been expected to cover large deposits, moving costs and these fees in one lump sum.
“We will be carefully watching to see if landlords and agents try to increase prices elsewhere, but hopefully, for now, tenants can keep the extra cash for themselves.”