What Fees Can I Be Charged as a Tenant?

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
You cannot be charged for:
  • 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.