The law caps your deposit and protects it — here's the real move-in cost and the protections most newcomers don't know they have.
✓ 2026 · Tenant Fees Act / deposit cap
Cash to move in
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first month + 5-week deposit
Deposit (5 weeks)
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Holding deposit
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💡 Your deposit is capped & protected. For rent under £50k/yr it's a max of 5 weeks (6 weeks above). The holding deposit (to reserve a place) is capped at 1 week and rolls into your deposit. Your deposit must be placed in a government scheme within 30 days.
Right to Rent + references
Landlords must check your Right to Rent (passport/visa/share code). You'll also face referencing (income ~2.5–3x rent, or a UK guarantor / rent upfront if you're new to the country).