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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...

Does a landlord have to provide a tenancy agreement?  A landlord does not legally have to provide a tenant with a written tenancy agreement, although most landlords do. If a tenant however, requests a written statement of terms, then a landlord has to provide that and this must include; when the tenancy started, how long the tenancy is for and what the rent is.  Verbal Agreements  A tenant without a written agreement, still has legal rights. If the landlord accepts rent from a person, in exchange for them living in the property, any verbal agreement they have, counts as a legal agreement, one which is regulated by the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. Verbal agreements can in some cases be much more difficult to enforce if any disputes arise and that's why it's in the best interests of both parties to have a written agreement. This will help to ensure that both the landlord and the tenant understand their rights and responsibilities.  Fixed-term tenancie...

If you are renting a home from someone else, it's important to be aware of your rights in order to make sure that your landlord does not take advantage. It's equally important to also know your responsibilities as a tenant, to avoid any potential problems that can arise and subsequently affect your tenancy agreement. All private tenants in England and Wales, whether renting out a room in a shared house or renting a whole property, have basic legal rights. Some of these rights include the right to: Live in a property that is safe and in good condition.  Know who your landlord is.  Quiet enjoyment of the property without the landlord invading your privacy and turning up whenever they feel like.  Challenge excessively high charges.  Get your rent deposit back after the end of the tenancy and in most cases, having your rent deposit protected in a tenancy deposit protection scheme. Protection against unfair eviction and unreasonable rent increases and Ha...