Tenant right
Landlords cannot demand excessive upfront rent
Demanding more than one month's rent in advance at the start of a tenancy is now illegal — regardless of your credit history or circumstances.
What this means
Some landlords previously demanded 3, 6, or even 12 months' rent upfront — effectively locking out anyone without large savings. This is now prohibited. The maximum a landlord can request at the start of a tenancy is one month's rent.
What counts as a prohibited payment
Asking for more than one month's rent at sign-up, whether framed as 'advance rent', a 'holding deposit top-up', or any other label, is a prohibited payment under the amended Tenant Fees Act 2019.
If you were charged too much
You can report the landlord or agent to your local Trading Standards office. You may be entitled to a refund of the excess. Agents can be fined up to £5,000 for a first breach.
Ongoing rent
This rule applies at the start of a tenancy. Once a tenancy is running, rent is due as agreed in your contract (typically monthly). The rule does not prohibit you from choosing to pay several months ahead if you want to.
Know a tenant who needs this?
Share this right — it takes 5 seconds and could make a real difference.