Tenant and Guest Fees

The payments that can be required depend on where the property is and whether the arrangement is a tenancy, occupation contract or guest booking. Your written agreement gives the exact rent, deposit and any other permitted payment.

Tenancies in England

For a relevant tenancy in England, a holding deposit is limited to one week’s rent. A tenancy deposit is limited to five weeks’ rent where annual rent is below £50,000 and six weeks’ rent where annual rent is £50,000 or more. The written terms explain when a holding deposit can lawfully be retained or must be repaid.

Interest on late rent can be charged only after the rent has been outstanding for at least 14 days and is limited to 3 per cent above the Bank of England base rate. A charge for a lost key or security device must reflect the reasonable evidenced cost. A tenant requested change to the agreement is limited to £50 unless a higher reasonable cost can be evidenced.

Any payment connected with ending or changing a tenancy is charged only where the law permits it and is limited to the rent or reasonable evidenced loss allowed by the applicable rules. Right to Rent applies only to relevant residential occupation in England. The landlord remains responsible unless an agent has accepted that responsibility in writing.

The current official guidance is available in the Tenant Fees Act guidance.

Occupation Contracts in Wales

Wales uses the terms contract holder and standard occupation contract. England’s tenancy deposit caps, late rent wording, change of sharer charge and Right to Rent process do not apply to a Welsh contract. A holding deposit, security deposit or default payment is requested only where Welsh law permits it and the relevant written information has been provided.

The current official guidance is available in the Welsh Government letting fees guidance.

Guest Bookings

Guest booking charges and damage arrangements are explained in our Guest Fees and Deposit Policy. Mandatory booking charges are included in the total shown before payment. A later damage claim is separate and must be supported by the booking terms and evidence.

For a question about a payment, email support@theupgradeauthority.com and include the property and agreement concerned.

Last updated: 27 August 2026.