Lib Dems win campaign on Tenancy Fees

A Liberal Democrat campaign led to the Government to introduce a new Tenant Fees Bill last year. Since then we have won several important amendments to prevent renters being charged unfair fees, cap tenancy deposits at five weeks' rent and requiring more transparency when a deposit isn't returned.

On 12 February 2018, that Bill became law, giving renters a fairer deal in the private rental sector and protecting them from unaffordable deposits and extortionate fees.

A ban on letting agents charging fees for new tenants, as well as tenants renewing their tenancies, will come into effect on 1 June 2019.

The changes mean landlords will only be able to charge rent and deposits, with exceptions for early terminations to the tenancy, utilities, and of course council tax.

Olly Grender, Lib Dem Peer, first proposed the ban in a Private Members Bill she named the Renters' Rights Bill in 2016.

Commenting, Olly Grender, said:

"This is a victory for all tenants who for too long have been ripped off by unfair fees when renting. Upfront fees have often been the cause of homelessness and this is a significant change - my only disappointment is that the government have taken so long to put it into action."