Letting a Property under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025

Landlords must not require rent to be paid for periods that fall after the tenancy has started. Only the initial rent payment for the first rent period is allowed.

Landlords may request the initial rent payment, a refundable holding deposit if agreed, and a permitted tenancy deposit. Other upfront charges are restricted by law.

Rent should fall due within the rent period it relates to, such as monthly in arrears or on a set date within the period. Any agreement requiring rent to be paid early is ineffective.

Clauses requiring rent to be paid in advance beyond the permitted initial payment have no legal effect. The tenancy will instead operate using statutory rent‑payment rules.

These restrictions are intended to reduce financial barriers to renting and prevent practices that make access to housing more difficult for tenants.