Prohibited fees under the Renters' Rights Act 2025
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 extends the tenant fees ban. This guide explains what landlords and agents can and cannot charge.
6 min read · Updated 23 August 2026
Overview
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 extends the tenant fees ban. Landlords and agents must not charge tenants for anything except the rent, a refundable tenancy deposit capped at five weeks' rent, and a refundable holding deposit capped at one week's rent.
Fees that are always banned
You cannot charge tenants for viewings, referencing, credit checks, inventories, check in or check out, renewal or exit fees, or administrative costs for tenancy paperwork.
Permitted payments
Rent, the capped tenancy deposit, the capped holding deposit, and charges for lost keys or late rent where these are genuine and reasonable. A tenant can also be required to pay for utilities, council tax and communications directly to the provider.
Third party services
You cannot require a tenant to use a specific referencing service, insurance provider or cleaning company. Tenants must be free to arrange their own services.
Consequences of charging a banned fee
A banned fee is unenforceable. The tenant can recover it through the First tier Tribunal or county court. Repeat or serious breaches can lead to civil penalties and restrictions on letting.
Renewals and periodic tenancies
Because fixed term renewals disappear, there is no renewal event to charge for. The tenancy continues on a periodic basis and only the rent can change through the statutory process.
The RentDocs landlord update
Plain-English UK compliance changes, Renters' Rights Act 2025 updates and new guides — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
This guide is 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.