The Tenant Fees Act 2019 is a crucial piece of legislation designed to make renting fairer and more transparent for tenants in England. At MyBazaar247.com, we aim to provide landlords, agents, and tenants with clear information about how this law impacts property listings and transactions on our platform.
1. What is the Tenant Fees Act 2019?
The Tenant Fees Act 2019 restricts the fees that landlords and letting agents can charge to tenants. It applies to most tenancies, including assured shorthold tenancies, student accommodation, and licences to occupy housing in England.
Under this law, landlords and letting agents can only require tenants to pay the following:
- Rent: As agreed in the tenancy agreement.
- Security Deposit: Capped at no more than five weeks’ rent for annual rents under £50,000, or six weeks’ rent for annual rents of £50,000 or more.
- Holding Deposit: Capped at no more than one week’s rent.
- Default Fees: Only for late rent payments (over 14 days late) or lost keys, with reasonable costs.
- Utilities and Council Tax: If included in the tenancy agreement.
- Changes to the Tenancy: Capped at £50 or reasonable costs incurred.
- Early Termination Fees: Where the tenant requests to end the tenancy early.
2. Prohibited Fees
The Act bans landlords and letting agents from charging tenants:
- Fees for viewing a property.
- Check-in or check-out fees.
- Fees for preparing tenancy agreements.
- Charges for professional cleaning, unless agreed and justified after the tenancy ends.
- Additional fees not outlined in the tenancy agreement.
3. How It Affects Landlords and Agents
As a landlord or letting agent using MyBazaar247.com, you must:
- Ensure your property listing complies with the Tenant Fees Act.
- Clearly outline permitted fees (e.g., rent, security deposit) in the property description.
- Avoid including prohibited fees in your terms.
- Be transparent about all costs and terms associated with the tenancy.
Non-compliance with the Act can result in significant penalties, including:
- Fines of up to £5,000 for the first offence.
- Criminal prosecution and unlimited fines for repeat offences.
4. How It Affects Tenants
As a tenant, the Tenant Fees Act helps protect you by:
- Reducing upfront costs when renting a property.
- Ensuring landlords and agents are transparent about fees and charges.
- Providing a cap on security and holding deposits.
If you believe a landlord or agent is charging prohibited fees, you can report them to your local Trading Standards authority.
5. Using MyBazaar247.com to Rent Property
We’re committed to ensuring all property listings on MyBazaar247.com comply with the Tenant Fees Act 2019. Here’s what you need to know:
- For Landlords and Agents: You must accurately represent your properties and comply with the Act. Non-compliant listings may be removed, and repeat violations could result in account suspension.
- For Tenants: If you encounter a listing or landlord that appears to violate the Act, please report it using the “Report Ad” feature.
6. Further Information
For more details on the Tenant Fees Act 2019, visit the UK Government’s official guidance or consult a qualified legal advisor.
7. Contact Us
If you have questions or need assistance regarding property listings or the Tenant Fees Act 2019, please contact us:
- Email: admin@mybazaar247.com
Thank you for helping us maintain a fair and transparent marketplace for tenants, landlords, and agents alike.