How much rent in advance can I ask for?
Rent in advance is not a prohibited payment, but the Renters' Rights Act 2025 restricts large upfront demands.
3 min read · Updated 2 August 2026
Overview
Rent in advance is not a prohibited payment, but the Renters' Rights Act 2025 restricts large upfront demands. The direction of travel is towards a limit of roughly one month's rent in advance, with affordability handled by guarantors instead.
Practical guidance
- Avoid demanding six or twelve months upfront as a default screening tool.
- Use a guarantor agreement where income evidence is thin.
- Record any advance clearly as rent, not as a deposit, so the cap is not breached.
Related content
General information for UK landlords and letting agents, not legal advice. Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — check your local requirements or take advice before acting.