09/06/2026
With so much focus on the Renters’ Rights Act, it’s worth flagging what hasn’t changed on deposits.
Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, the maximum deposit on a new tenancy is:
- Five weeks’ rent, where the annual rent is under £50,000
- Six weeks’ rent, where the annual rent is £50,000 or above
That cap has not changed under the Renters’ Rights Act.
Deposits taken in excess of these limits have to be returned in full to the tenant within set timeframes, and the landlord loses the protection of being able to serve some kinds of notice until they are.
Worth a quick portfolio check if any tenancies were set up before 2019 and haven’t been adjusted since.