Government Guidance Released for Landlords and Agents

Posted on April 4th, 2019

Tenant Fees Act 2019 – comes into effect on 01 June 2019. 

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/791273/TFA_Guidance_for_LandlordsAgents.pdf

Included in the comprehensive guide;

• What fees can you ask a tenant to pay?
• When does the ban apply?
• What about existing tenancies?

 

The only payments you can charge in connection with a tenancy are: 

a) the rent

b) a refundable tenancy deposit capped at no more than five weeks’ rent where the annual rent is less than £50,000, or six weeks’ rent where the total annual rent is £50,000 or above

c) a refundable holding deposit (to reserve a property) capped at no more than one week’s rent

d) payments to change the tenancy when requested by the tenant, capped at £50, or reasonable costs incurred if higher

e) payments associated with early termination of the tenancy, when requested by the tenant

f) payments in respect of utilities, communication services, TV licence and council tax; and

g) A default fee for late payment of rent and replacement of a lost key/security device, where required under a tenancy agreement

More information can be found on the gov.uk website;

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tenant-fees-act-2019-guidance