Reading the contract

Lesson 6 of 13 in our free Housing & Renting guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.

Shown for England. Some rules here are different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: the lesson shows your nation's version.

This lesson is in the full version.

Free with a code from your uni, college, council, landlord or employer (worth £600/year). Lesson 1 of Housing & Renting is free for everyone.

Questions you'll answer

In England, the Renters' Rights Act changes private renting. Which is true?

Red flag: “A £150 'check-out cleaning fee' is payable when you leave.” — Check-out fees are banned under the Tenant Fees Act. Cleaning costs can only come from the deposit if you leave it dirtier than at check-in.
Red flag: “The tenant is responsible for all repairs, including the boiler.” — Landlords are legally responsible for heating, hot water and the structure. A clause can't sign that away.
Red flag: “The landlord may enter the property at any time without notice.” — Landlords normally must give at least 24 hours' notice except in emergencies.
Rent → Allowed. Obviously.
A capped, refundable tenancy deposit → Allowed. Up to 5 weeks' rent (annual rent under £50,000).
£75 'reference check' fee → Banned. Banned since 2019.
Replacing a key you lost (reasonable cost) → Allowed. Allowed — a 'default fee', but only the actual reasonable cost.
Viewing fee → Banned. Banned.