For properties in England, the Tenant Fees Act 2019 means that in addition to rent, lettings agents can only charge tenants (or anyone acting on the tenant's behalf) the following permitted payments:
- Holding deposits (a maximum of 1 week's rent).
- Deposits (a maximum deposit of 5 weeks' rent for annual rent below £50,000, or 6 weeks' rent for annual rental of £50,000 and above).
- Payments to change a tenancy agreement e.g. change of sharer (capped at £50 or, if higher, any reasonable costs).
- Payments associated with early termination of a tenancy (capped at the landlord's loss or the agent's reasonably incurred costs).
- Unless stated the tenant will pay for utilities (electricity, gas or other fuel, water, sewerage), communication services (telephone, internet, cable/satellite television), TV license & Council tax.
- Interest payments for the late payment of rent (up to 3% above Bank of England's annual percentage rate).
- Reasonable costs for replacement of lost keys or other security devices.
- Contractual damages in the event of the tenant's default of a tenancy. agreement; and - Any other permitted payments under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 and regulations applicable at the relevant time.
- How do we ensure our tenants are protected? We are a registered member of the Safe Agent Client Money Protection Scheme our accreditation number is A6222, this is a client money protection scheme to ensure your money is handled within the correct manner.
How do we ensure our landlords & tenants are protected?
We are a registered member of the Safe Agent Client Money Protection Scheme. This is a client money protection scheme to ensure your money is handled within the correct manner. Download a copy of our Safe Agent Client Money Protection Certificate here.
We are also members of The Property Ombudsman, which is a redress scheme for consumer complaints.