A simple guide to what costs you can (and can’t) be asked to pay when renting in England, Wales or Scotland.
Depending on where you’re renting - England, Wales, or Scotland - the law sets out exactly what landlords and agents can charge you. Here’s a breakdown of what’s allowed and what isn’t.
Renting in England
You can be charged for:
- Rent
- Holding deposit
- You might pay up to 1 week’s rent to reserve a property
- This is deducted from your first month’s rent if the tenancy goes ahead
- If you fail referencing or pull out, the landlord may keep this
- If you pay via Open Banking, there’s a 6% transaction fee
- Bank transfer is free
- Tenancy deposit
- Capped at 5 weeks’ rent (or 6 weeks if the rent is over £50,000 per year)
- Must be protected in a government-approved deposit scheme
- Default fees (if written in the agreement)
- Late rent (after 14 days, interest at 3% above base rate)
- Lost keys or damage from contract breaches
- Utility bills
- You may be responsible for council tax, water, gas, electric, broadband, and TV licence — depending on your agreement
You cannot be charged for:
- Referencing or credit checks
- Admin or tenancy set-up
- Contract renewals
- Inventory or check-in/check-out fees
- Right to Rent checks
Renting in Wales
You can be charged for:
- Rent
- Holding deposit
- You can be asked to pay up to 1 week’s rent to reserve a property
- The landlord must give you written details first — including rent, start date, and any guarantor needed
- Tenancy deposit
- Usually 1 month’s rent
- Must be protected in a registered deposit scheme
- Default fees
- For late rent, lost keys, or breach of contract (if clearly written in the tenancy)
- Utility bills
- You’ll need to pay these if listed in the agreement
You cannot be charged for:
- Referencing or credit checks
- Admin or renewal fees
- Inventory or check-in/check-out
- Any other service fees
Renting in Scotland
You can be charged for:
- Rent
- Tenancy deposit
- Must not be more than 2 months’ rent
- Has to be protected in an approved deposit scheme
- Utility bills
- You’ll pay if it’s included in the agreement
- Holding deposits
- Referencing or admin fees
- Renewal fees
- Inventory or check-in/check-out fees
- Any other charges not clearly listed in the agreement
Summary Table
|
Fee Type |
England |
Wales |
Scotland |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Holding Deposit |
✅ (max 1 week’s rent) |
✅ (max 1 week, prescribed info must be given) |
❌ Not allowed |
|
Tenancy Deposit |
✅ (5–6 weeks’ rent) |
✅ (typically 1 month) |
✅ (max 2 months’ rent) |
|
Admin Fees |
❌ Not allowed |
❌ Not allowed |
❌ Not allowed |
|
Referencing Fees |
❌ Not allowed |
❌ Not allowed |
❌ Not allowed |
|
Renewal Fees |
❌ Not allowed |
❌ Not allowed |
❌ Not allowed |
|
Default Fees |
✅ If stated in contract |
✅ If stated in contract |
✅ For specific breaches |
|
Utility Bills |
✅ If agreed |
✅ If agreed |
✅ If agreed |
If you’re unsure which rules apply to your property, contact our support team or your local housing authority.