Tenant Fees & Permitted Payments
At Hawksgrove Estates, we aim to make the cost of renting a property clear and transparent. The following information applies to residential lettings in England and explains the payments that a tenant may be required to make. We do not charge tenants fees that are prohibited by law.
Before the Tenancy Starts
Holding Deposit: Up to one week’s rent may be requested to reserve a property while the relevant checks and tenancy arrangements are completed. This is handled in accordance with the Tenant Fees Act 2019 and applicable regulations. The circumstances in which it may be retained, refunded or applied towards the tenancy will be explained before payment is made.
Security Deposit: Where permitted by law, a refundable tenancy deposit may be required. The maximum is generally five weeks’ rent where the annual rent is less than £50,000, or six weeks’ rent where the annual rent is £50,000 or more. The deposit is protected in an authorised tenancy deposit protection scheme where required, and is refundable at the end of the tenancy subject to the tenancy agreement and any lawful deductions.
Rent: The rent payable will be clearly stated in the property advertisement and tenancy agreement. From 1 May 2026, landlords and letting agents must not encourage or accept offers of rent above the advertised rent. We will not require a tenant to make a payment of rent before the tenancy agreement has been signed where this is prohibited by law.
During the Tenancy
Change to the Tenancy Agreement: Up to £50 including VAT where a tenant requests a change and it is agreed. The actual charge will be confirmed before the change is made.
Change of Sharer: Up to £50 including VAT where a tenant requests to replace a tenant or add a sharer and this is agreed, together with any reasonable additional costs permitted by law, which may include referencing, Right to Rent checks and preparing amended tenancy documentation.
Ending the Tenancy
Early Termination: If a tenant asks to leave a tenancy before the end of the fixed term and the landlord agrees, the tenant may be responsible for the landlord’s reasonable costs of re-letting the property and rent payable until a replacement tenancy begins, subject to the limits imposed by law. Any such costs will be explained before an agreement to end the tenancy early is entered into.
Other Permitted Payments
Late Payment of Rent: Where permitted by law, interest may be charged on rent overdue by 14 days or more. Any interest charged will not exceed the maximum permitted by the Tenant Fees Act 2019 and applicable regulations.
Lost Keys or Security Devices: A tenant may be required to pay the reasonable actual cost of replacing lost keys or other security devices. Evidence of the cost will be provided where required. No additional administration charge will be imposed beyond an amount permitted by law.
Other Payments: A tenant may be required to make payments expressly permitted by legislation, or which arise from the tenant’s breach of the tenancy agreement, where those payments are legally recoverable. We will not require a payment that is prohibited under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 or other applicable legislation.
Client Money Protection
Where Hawksgrove Estates holds client money, we are a member of the Money Shield Client Money Protection Scheme, valid to 1 April 2027. A copy of our certificate is available here.
Consumer Redress
Hawksgrove Estates is registered with The Property Ombudsman (TPO) Approved Redress Scheme, Registration No. E02487. A copy of our certificate is available here. Our Complaints Handling Procedure is available on request.
This page is intended as a summary of permitted payments. The exact terms applicable to a tenancy will be set out in the relevant tenancy documentation. If you are unsure whether a payment is permitted, please contact Hawksgrove Estates before making the payment.
