How to rent from a private landlord or letting agent
The law has changed
Private tenants have new rights from 1 May 2026.
Protect yourself when handing over money
You might feel pressured to pay money quickly or take a property without seeing it.
Keep records and get everything in writing from the start of your search.
Always see properties in person if you can.
Bring a notepad to viewings so that you can write everything down.
This is very important if you hand over money. Get the letting agent or landlord to write down the amounts you have paid and what they are for. Keep this information in a file.
Rental bidding is now illegal
From 1 May 2026, landlords and agents must include the rent in the property advert.
You should not offer to pay more than the advertised rent.
The landlord or agent cannot ask for or accept more.
You can complain to your council's private renting team if a landlord or agent breaks this rule. The council can fine the landlord or agent.
Holding deposits
A holding deposit is a payment to reserve a property.
Do not pay a holding deposit without seeing the property. Only pay it if you are serious about taking on the tenancy.
How much is a holding deposit?
Landlords and agents cannot take more than the cost of 1 week’s rent for the property.
You can work this out like this:
Monthly rent x 12 ÷ 52 = maximum holding deposit
Ask for a refund if you're charged more for a holding deposit.
You should get all of your holding deposit back if the landlord decides not to go ahead.
Find out how to get your holding deposit back.
Tenancy deposits
A tenancy deposit is also called a security deposit.
It cannot usually be more than 5 weeks' rent.
Calculate a maximum tenancy deposit
Monthly rent x 12 ÷ 52 x 5 = maximum tenancy deposit
Your tenancy deposit is your money.
You should get your whole deposit back when you leave unless your landlord has a reason to keep the money.
Landlords or agents who take a deposit for an assured tenancy must protect it in a scheme within 30 days.
More on paying a tenancy deposit.
Rent in advance
From 1 May 2026, landlords and agents can only ask for up to 1 month's rent in advance.
This can only be used to cover your first rent payment.
They cannot take this money before you sign a tenancy agreement.
Get receipts for anything you pay in person.
You can complain to your council's private renting team if a landlord or agent breaks this rule. If you've paid too much rent in advance the council can:
fine your landlord
tell your landlord to pay you back
More on paying rent in advance.
Other tenancy related fees
Most other tenancy related fees are banned.
For example, fees for referencing or credit checks.
Virtual viewings
Some landlords or agents offer 'virtual viewings'. A virtual viewing is when you watch a video of the property or use a video call to do a viewing instead of going to the property yourself.
Always try and view the property in person before you sign anything or pay any money.
Be aware that virtual viewings do not always show what the property is really like.
Keep a copy of the video in case you need it as proof that you were misled.
Last updated: 1 May 2026
