Understanding rent, deposits and payments
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 changes how rent, deposits and payments work when you rent privately.
Rent
- Your rent can only be increased once a year using a legal notice.
- Any rent review clauses in older tenancy agreements will no longer apply.
Deposits
- Your landlord can still ask for a deposit, but it must be protected in a government-approved deposit protection scheme.
- Your landlord must give you information about your deposit within 30 days of receiving it.
Payments
- You cannot be asked to pay more than one month’s rent in advance before your tenancy starts.
- Rental bidding is not allowed. Landlords must advertise a clear asking rent and cannot ask for or accept more than this amount.
If you think you’ve been charged unfairly or your deposit has not been protected, you can contact the council or get independent advice.
