Up to one week’s rent

Reserves the property while we carry out checks, and is normally put towards your first month’s rent. You may lose it if you:

• decide not to go ahead
• fail a Right to Rent check
• give false or misleading information
• don’t take reasonable steps to sign by the agreed deadline, normally 15 days

Up to five weeks’ rent

Or up to six weeks’ rent if the annual rent is £50,000 or more. It’s protected with the Deposit Protection Service within 30 days of you paying it.

At the end of your tenancy it can cover unpaid rent or damage beyond fair wear and tear, checked against the inventory.

No more than one month

Since 1 May 2026, you can’t be asked to pay more than one month’s rent upfront. After that, rent is paid as set out in your tenancy agreement.

Interest after 14 days

If rent is more than 14 days late, interest may be charged at 3% above the Bank of England base rate, from the date it was due until it’s paid.

Reasonable replacement costs

If you lose keys or security devices, you’ll pay the reasonable cost of replacing them, from £15. If locks need changing, this can include the locksmith, new locks and keys for everyone affected. We’ll show you the costs.

£50 including VAT

If you ask to add or replace a tenant on your tenancy, a fee of £50 covers updating the agreement and referencing the new tenant.

Only by agreement

You can end your tenancy by giving the notice set out in your agreement. If you ask to leave sooner and your landlord agrees, you may need to cover their reasonable costs or lost rent, never more than you’d have paid otherwise.

If they’re your responsibility

Council tax, gas, electricity, water, broadband and a TV licence, paid directly to the suppliers unless your tenancy says otherwise.