Letting agent fees
Before the ban in 2019 some letting agents charged tenants fees for viewing property, tenancy set up, tenancy check out, reference approval and professional cleaning.
However, most letting agents fees are now banned. But there are a few exceptions to be aware of.
What is not banned?
The only fees letting agents can charge in addition to paying the rent, utilities, council tax, communication services and TV licence are listed below.
- Late payment of rent fee - when the rent is over 14 days overdue the amount charged is capped at no more than 3% above Bank of England’s annual percentage rate for each day that the amount is outstanding.
- Replacement of lost keys or security devices fee - this should be a reasonable cost.
- Changes to tenancy fee - when requested by a tenant, for example a change in someone sharing a flat. This should be capped at a reasonable cost of around £50.
- Early termination of tenancy fee - when requested by the tenant and it should be capped at a landlord’s loss.
Holding and tenancy deposits
There is cap on charges for holding and tenancy deposits.
What action can be taken if a banned fee is charged
Trading Standards can issue the letting agent with a financial penalty of up to £5,000, and a tenant cannot be evicted under a Section 21 “no fault” eviction procedure until it is repaid.
How to complain
If you have been charged a banned fee please report this to Citizens Advice Consumer helpline on 0808 223 113, 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.
This helpline will give you consumer advice and also pass on any complaints to the relevant local Trading Standards Service to take action.
