What Tenants Can & Can’t Be Charged For

Tenants often assume that if a letting agent or landlord requests a fee, they have to pay it—but that’s not always the case! Here’s what you need to know about legal vs. illegal rental charges in the UK.

1. Permitted Fees

Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords and agents can only charge for:

• Rent & tenancy deposits (capped at 5 weeks’ rent if under £50,000 per year)

• Holding deposits (capped at 1 week’s rent)

• Early contract termination fees (if the tenant is requesting to leave early)

• Utility bills & council tax (if the agreement states tenants are responsible)

2. Banned Fees

The following charges cannot be passed onto tenants:

• Admin fees (application, referencing, or renewal fees)

• Inventory fees (checking in/out)

• Excessive renewal fees (some agents try to charge for contract renewals – this is illegal!)

💡 Pro Tip: If you believe you’ve been charged unlawfully, contact Trading Standards or Citizens Advice for support.