Does the deposit cap change if the rent goes up?
The five weeks' rent cap (six weeks where annual rent is £50,000 or more) is measured against the rent at the time the deposit is taken.
3 min read · Updated 2 August 2026
Overview
The five weeks' rent cap (six weeks where annual rent is £50,000 or more) is measured against the rent at the time the deposit is taken. A later rent increase does not entitle you to top the deposit up beyond the cap.
Practical guidance
- Recalculate the cap only when a genuinely new tenancy is granted.
- Refund any excess immediately if you find the deposit is over the cap.
- Record the weekly rent calculation you used, so the figure can be justified later.
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.