The Tenant Fees Bill received Royal Assent on 12 February 2019.

The Act, which prohibits Landlords and letting agents charging letting fees to tenants in the private rented sector and caps tenancy deposits in England at 5 weeks’ rent will come into force 1 June 2019.

The aim of the Act is to reduce costs that tenants are often required to pay before the start of a tenancy along with unfair charges throughout the tenancy. 

Prospective tenants will see, at a glance, what the property will cost them in rent with no hidden costs. The landlord will be responsible for paying the letting agent's fee for their service. 

A term of a tenancy agreement which requires a tenant to pay a prohibited payment will be void. Any term of an agreement between a letting agent and relevant person which requires a prohibited payment will not be binding on a relevant person.

The government will shortly publish guidance for tenants, landlords and letting agents, but in the meantime click here to see the Tenant Fees Act 2019