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Tenancy Deposits – Part I Most private landlords or estate agents managing properties on behalf of landlords, usually ask for a deposit to be paid before you move into a property. What is a tenancy deposit? Tenancy deposits, also known as rent deposits and security deposits, act like a security to cover the landlord in the event that you cause the landlord any financial loss whilst living in the property. Financial loss can occur through rent arrears, unpaid bills or damage to the property. How much can you be asked to pay? Until recently, most rent deposits were usually equivalent to one or two months' rent and in some cases more, as there was no limit on what landlords could charge. This has now changed in England and under the new Tenant Fees Act  2019 , as of 1 June  2019 , the maximum rent deposit payable by a tenant for new and renewed tenancies is the amount equal to 5 weeks' rent. This limit applies to assured shorthold tenants, lodge...

Renters Rights - The right to live in a property that’s safe and in a good state of repair  As a tenant renting a property (or a room in a shared property), you have the legal right to live in a property that is safe and in a good state of repair. All private rented properties in England and Wales, must meet the minimum legal health and safety standards, as well as complying with gas, fire and electrical safety regulations. The property you live in must be safe and free from health and safety hazards, such as: damp, condensation or mould  inadequate water supply, including no hot water broken windows  blocked or leaking gutters, drainpipes and sewers or a leaking roof.  Pests or vermina faulty electrics  non-serviced gas appliances or appliances that have not been serviced or maintained in a while.   Your landlord has the responsibility to: · Make sure that all gas appliances provided in the property are safe to use. The landlor...