You have 15 days from paying a holding deposit to agree a tenancy.

You could agree a different deadline with the landlord or agent in writing.

You might lose your holding deposit if you do not take reasonable steps to agree a tenancy by the deadline.

Checking the contract

The landlord or agent should send you a tenancy agreement to look at before you sign.

Find out what to look for in a tenancy agreement.

If you sign a tenancy agreement

The landlord or agent can either:

• return your holding deposit within 7 days

• put your holding deposit money towards a security deposit or first rent payment if you agree