This page clearly sets out all fees and charges that may apply to your tenancy. Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords and agents can only
charge tenants for specific permitted payments. We are committed to full transparency and compliance with this legislation.
IMPORTANT: Clayton Oak Properties Limited is not VAT registered.
All fees shown below are final amounts – no VAT will be added.
Assured Shorthold Tenancies (AST)
The following fees and charges apply to Assured Shorthold Tenancies in accordance with the Tenant Fees Act 2019.
These are the only payments we can legally request from you.
1. Holding Deposit
Maximum: One week’s rentPurpose: To reserve a property while referencing and pre-tenancy checks are completed.
What happens to this payment:
- If your application is successful and you proceed with the tenancy, this will be deducted from your first month’s rent or your tenancy deposit
- You will receive a full refund if we decide not to proceed with the tenancy
- You will receive a full refund if an agreement is not reached within 15 calendar days (unless a different deadline is agreed in writing)
We may retain your holding deposit if:
- You provide false or misleading information that materially affects our decision to let
- You fail a Right to Rent check
- You withdraw from the tenancy
- You fail to take reasonable steps to enter into the tenancy agreement (when we have done so)
Important: We will provide written reasons within 7 days if we decide to retain your holding deposit.
2. Security Deposit (Refundable)
• If annual rent is UNDER £50,000: Maximum 5 weeks’ rent • If annual rent is £50,000 or ABOVE: Maximum 6 weeks’ rentPurpose: To cover any damages, unpaid rent, or defaults during the tenancy.
Protection:
- Your deposit will be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit protection scheme within 30 days
- You will receive details of how your deposit is protected
- The deposit remains your money throughout the tenancy
Return of deposit:
- If your deposit is protected, it must be returned within 10 days of both parties agreeing the amount
- Any deductions must be evidenced and justified
- You have the right to dispute unreasonable deductions through the deposit protection scheme’s free dispute resolution service
Note: Fair wear and tear is expected and cannot be charged against your deposit.
3. Rent
As agreed in your tenancy agreementPayment: Rent must be paid at the intervals specified in your tenancy agreement (usually monthly).
Important legal requirements:
- The rent must be split equally across the first year of the tenancy (no “front-loading”)
- Rent can be changed mid-tenancy if you agree, or under a rent review clause in your agreement
- For periodic tenancies, rent can be increased annually by formal notice under Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988
Default Fees (Only Charged If Applicable)
These fees can only be charged if they are specifically written into your tenancy agreement and the circumstances apply:
4. Late Payment of Rent
Interest: Maximum 3% above Bank of England base rate per dayWhen this applies: Only if rent is more than 14 days overdue.
Current calculation example:
Note: This is only charged when rent is more than 14 days late and must be specified in your tenancy agreement.
5. Lost Key(s) or Security Device(s)
Reasonable costs incurred onlyWhat you’ll pay: The actual, reasonable cost of replacing lost keys or security devices, including:
- Cost of replacement key/fob/device
- Locksmith costs if locks need changing
- New keys for all parties who require access
- Time taken (maximum £15 per hour for administrative time, if applicable)
Typical costs:
- Standard door key: £3-£10
- Specialist door key: £5-£20
- Key fob: £20-£50
Important: We must provide written evidence (receipts/invoices) to demonstrate costs are reasonable. Charges must only cover actual costs incurred.
6. Variation of Contract (At Your Request)
Maximum: £50 or reasonable costs if higherWhen this applies: If you request a change to your tenancy agreement, such as:
- Adding or removing a tenant (change of sharer)
- Permission to keep a pet
- Permission to sub-let
- Permission to run a business from the property
- Any other amendment to the tenancy agreement
Important: If we charge more than £50, we must provide written evidence of the costs incurred (e.g., referencing, legal fees, deposit re-registration).
7. Early Termination (At Your Request)
Maximum: The landlord’s financial loss OR agent’s reasonable costsWhen this applies: If you wish to end your tenancy before the fixed term expires.
What you may be charged:
- Rent due until a replacement tenant is found (capped at the rent remaining on your tenancy)
- Reasonable costs for re-advertising the property
- Reasonable costs for referencing a new tenant
Maximum charge: No more than the total rent that would have been paid until the end of your tenancy.
Note: If a replacement tenant is found quickly and no rent is lost, charges are limited to reasonable administrative costs (which must be evidenced).
Payments for Services (Where Applicable)
You remain responsible for the following payments as specified in your tenancy agreement:
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Council Tax | Your responsibility unless you’re exempt (e.g., full-time student) |
| Gas & Electricity | Cannot be charged more than the amount the landlord pays to the supplier |
| Water & Sewerage | Cannot be charged more than the supplier’s rate, plus reasonable admin fee (typically £5-£10/year) |
| TV Licence | Your responsibility if you watch or record live TV |
| Broadband/Phone | Your choice of provider (unless included in rent) |
Your Rights: If you pay utilities directly, you have the right to change suppliers and meter types.
What We CANNOT Charge You
- ❌ Viewing fees
- ❌ Tenancy set-up or administration fees
- ❌ Referencing fees
- ❌ Credit check fees
- ❌ Guarantor arrangement fees
- ❌ Inventory fees
- ❌ Check-out fees
- ❌ Tenancy renewal fees
- ❌ Professional cleaning fees (at end of tenancy)
- ❌ Fees for providing a reference to a new landlord
Your Legal Protection
The Tenant Fees Act 2019 protects you by:
- ✓ Capping deposits at 5 weeks’ rent (or 6 weeks if annual rent is £50,000+)
- ✓ Capping holding deposits at 1 week’s rent
- ✓ Banning all fees except those listed on this page
- ✓ Requiring written evidence for any charges above £50
- ✓ Preventing Section 21 evictions if we’ve charged prohibited fees
Enforcement & Your Rights:
- Breaches of the Act can result in fines of up to £30,000 for landlords/agents
- You can report prohibited charges to Trading Standards
- You can recover unlawfully charged fees through the First-tier Tribunal
- If we belong to a redress scheme, you can complain to them
Quick Reference Summary
| Payment Type | Maximum Amount | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|
| Holding Deposit | 1 week’s rent | Yes (in most cases) |
| Tenancy Deposit (under £50k/year) | 5 weeks’ rent | Yes (minus lawful deductions) |
| Tenancy Deposit (£50k+/year) | 6 weeks’ rent | Yes (minus lawful deductions) |
| Rent | As agreed | No |
| Late Rent Interest | 3% above BoE base rate | No |
| Lost Key Replacement | Reasonable costs | No |
| Tenancy Changes | £50 or reasonable costs | No |
| Early Termination | Landlord’s loss | No |
Questions About Fees?
If you have any questions about the fees listed on this page, or if you believe you have been charged a prohibited payment, please contact us:
Email: Refer to the Onboarding pack.
Phone: Refer to the Onboarding pack.
Office: Refer to the Onboarding pack.
Hours: Refer to the Onboarding pack.
- Citizens Advice: Free, impartial advice on tenant rights – www.citizensadvice.org.uk
- Trading Standards: Report prohibited fees – Find your local authority at gov.uk
- Shelter: Housing and homelessness charity – www.shelter.org.uk
