Deposits and fees

Sometimes landlords or letting agents charge prospective or current tenants a deposit and some may charge fees for services. There are rules regarding deposits and some fees charged may be unlawful.

Deposits

A security deposit is a sum of money paid to a landlord or an accommodation agency as security against, for example, damage to property, unpaid fuel or telephone bills, cleaning bills, or removal of furniture by tenants without permission. 

Tenancy deposit schemes

Private landlords are requried to register their tenant's deposits in an approved tenancy deposit scheme. 

Unlawful fees

Sometimes landlords or letting agents charge prospective or current tenants fees for services. This page explains what fees are unlawful are and what action tenants can take if they've paid such a fee