Publishing fees
Publishing Fee Schedules: Ensuring Compliance with Tenant Fees Act 2019.
Our guide will help landlords and agents understand how to correctly advertise and publish permitted fees.
With the Tenant Fees Act 2019 now enforced in England, understanding the regulations around fee transparency is crucial for landlords and letting agents. The Act expands upon the Consumer Rights Act 2015, maintaining the requirement for fees to be “displayed clearly,” but with an extension to include third-party property advertisement platforms.
The Act has specific guidelines for different scenarios, which include:
Existing Tenancies
A transition period is in place for tenancies signed before June 1, 2019. Reasonable fees in these contracts are still allowed until the tenancy expires, renews, or terminates by May 31, 2020. After June 1, 2020, the fee ban will apply to all pre-existing tenancies.Post-June 1, 2019 Tenancies
The Act prohibits most fees on tenancies signed on or after June 1, 2019, unless they are "permitted." Permitted fees must be justifiable and reasonable.Assured Tenancies, Company Lets
The Act doesn't apply to non-Housing Act or common law tenancies, but the requirement to display fees under the 2015 provisions remains.
Failure to accurately display fees could result in fines of up to £5,000. Permitted fees include refundable holding deposits, tenancy deposit caps, rent, changes to tenancy terms, utilities, council tax, TV licenses, communication services, early termination fees, and default fees as stated in the tenancy agreement.
Ensure compliance with the Tenant Fees Act to avoid penalties and create a transparent rental process. Stay informed and adhere to the guidelines for fee transparency.