Letting Agents, Landlords & Student Lettings

Students

If you are new to being a student, and a tenant, it can be a bit overwhelming with lots of information to digest.

When it comes to accommodation, listed below are the permitted payments a landlord or agent can charge a tenant.

Permitted payments

Rent
A refundable tenancy deposit capped at no more than 5 weeks’ rent where the total annual rent is less than £50,000, or 6 weeks’ rent where the total annual rent is £50,000 or above
A refundable holding deposit (to reserve a property) capped at no more than 1 week’s rent
Payments associated with early termination of the tenancy, when requested by the tenant
Payments capped at £50 (or reasonably incurred costs, if higher) for the variation, assignment or novation of a tenancy
Payments in respect of utilities, communication services, TV licence and Council Tax
A default fee for late payment of rent and replacement of a lost key/security device giving access to the housing, where required under a tenancy agreement

And there are also some payments which are prohibited, which a landlord or agent are not allowed to charge a tenant. Have a look at the examples of prohibited payments below.

Prohibited payments (examples)

X Viewing fees, any charge for viewing the property

X Tenancy set up fees, any charge for setting up the tenancy or contracts

X Check out fees, any charge for leaving the property

X Third party fees, any charge for anything that is done by someone other than the landlord or tenant but that the landlord must pay for

X References

X Set-up fees

X Professional cleaning

X Drawing up contracts

X Administration fees including application fees, credit checks and check-out fees

If you have been charged a prohibited fee, or your landlord/agent is not complying with these requirements please contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or report online.

Further Advice & Support

Take a look at the link here for Student tenancies leaflet. covering FAQ and information about how to check if the agent is a member of a Redress Scheme or Client Money Protection Scheme.