Government aims to step up protections for renters

A limit on how much rent a landlord can request upfront could be put in place under new government plans.

At the moment, there is no limit on the amount a landlord can ask for in advance.

This means some people are being asked to pay up to a year’s worth of rent upfront before agreeing a tenancy.

Ministers are concerned that this makes it harder for many renters, in particular those on lower incomes, to get housing, and leads to some getting into debt or becoming homeless.

One-month limit to be introduced

Under the government’s Renters' Rights Bill, landlords will only be able to request one month’s rent in advance, alongside a security deposit of up to five or six weeks rent. 

Angela Rayner, the housing secretary and deputy prime minister, said: “For far too long, working people and families have been at the mercy of a fickle and unfair rental market, faced with outrageous upfront costs, and struggling to find a safe and secure place they can truly call home.  

“We are delivering on our promise to transform the lives of millions of renters so families can put down roots, allow their children to grow up in secure and healthy homes, and make sure our young people can save for their future.”

Renters being asked for up to £8,400 upfront

According to data from the Deposit Protection Scheme, one in eight landlords asked for between four and six months’ rent upfront between May and December 2024.

The government says this means that for the average rental property, people are expected to pay between £5,500 and £8,400 in advance, excluding security deposits. 

Matthew Pennycook, the housing minister, believes the measures in the bill will “decisively” level the playing field between landlords and tenants.

“It will empower renters by providing them with greater security, rights and protections, so they can stay in their homes for longer, build lives in their communities and avoid the risk of homelessness,” he said.

Mr Pennycook added that the measures in the bill will also increase the quality of private rented housing, so that renters can access safe, good quality homes “as a matter of course”.

Other measures in the Renters’ Rights Bill include an end to section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, so that tenants can’t be unfairly pushed out of their homes.

The government also wants to extend the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector for the first time, so tenants can challenge their landlord if there is dangerous damp or mould in their homes.