Policy Tenant Fee
At Estate Agents Royal Wharf, we believe in transparency and fairness when it comes to tenant fees. This page outlines the permitted payments and charges under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, as well as relevant fees for tenancies signed before this date or those not governed by the Act.
🔹 Holding Deposit – One Week’s Rent (Per Tenancy)
This deposit is to reserve a property. It may be withheld if:
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The applicant (or guarantor) withdraws from the tenancy
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Fails a Right-to-Rent check
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Provides false or misleading information
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Fails to sign the tenancy agreement or Deed of Guarantee within 15 calendar days (or an agreed deadline)
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🔹 Security Deposit
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For rents under £50,000 per year: Five weeks’ rent
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For rents of £50,000 or over per year: Six weeks’ rent
Held to cover any damage or default by the tenant during the tenancy.
🔹 During the Tenancy
Unpaid Rent
Interest is charged at 3% above the Bank of England Base Rate, applied from the due date after rent is 14 days late, until payment is made in full.
Lost Key(s) or Security Devices
Tenants are responsible for the actual cost of replacement. If locksmith services or lock replacements are required, charges may include:
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Locksmith’s fee
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Replacement lock
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New keys for all parties
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£15/hour (inc. VAT) for agent time involved in organising replacements
Variation of Contract (at Tenant’s Request) – £50 (inc. VAT)
Covers administrative work including landlord consent and issuing new legal documents.
Change of Sharer – £50 (inc. VAT) per replacement tenant
Or reasonable costs if higher. Includes referencing, Right-to-Rent checks, deposit updates, and document preparation.
Early Termination (at Tenant’s Request)
Tenants are responsible for the landlord’s re-letting costs and rent due until a new tenancy begins. Charges will not exceed the total rent outstanding on the tenancy.
For Tenancies Signed Before 1 June 2019 or Non-Housing Act Tenancies
These charges are not covered by the Tenant Fees Act 2019 and may still be applicable:
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Set-up Fee (Tenant’s Share): £240 (inc. VAT)
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Tenant Referencing Fee: £48 (inc. VAT) per tenant
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Guarantor Fee: £138 (inc. VAT)
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Inventory Check-In Fee: From £144 (inc. VAT) – Based on property size
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Pet Deposit (if applicable): Additional two weeks’ rent
Other Charges (Where Applicable)
| Service | Fee (inc. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Tenancy Renewal Fee | £90 |
| Change of Tenant Administration | £198 |
| Lost Keys / Security Device Handling | £36 + actual item cost |
| Rent Arrears / Returned Payments | £30 per instance |
| Failed Appointment Fee | £36 |
| Inappropriate Call Out Charge | £60 per hour |
These charges apply where tenant action results in administrative or service-related costs that fall outside standard tenancy obligations.
📩 Contact Us
For more details or to clarify anything about our fees, please get in touch:
📧 Email: info@estateagentsroyalwharf.co.uk
📞 Phone: 0207 183 5337
Estate Agents Royal Wharf is committed to operating transparently, fairly, and in compliance with current UK housing regulations. We are happy to answer any questions about your tenancy or our services.