Tenancy deposit cap rules: England
What do you need to know?
The tenant fee ban has been with us since 1 June 2019, but since the twelve month transition period, where some fees were still allowed, there are now no fees permitted EXCEPT the 11 which are specifically permitted in the Tenant Fees Act 2019 (The Act). Find out more in our Tenant Fees Act FAQs.
What does this mean for the deposit cap?
The rules on the deposit cap have not changed. Any tenancy which was signed on, or after 1 June 2019, has to fall in line with the deposit cap rules laid down in the Tenant Fees Act 2019.
The deposit amount you can take from prospective tenants, on most residential tenancy deposits, will depend on the annual rent being charged, as follows:
- Where the annual rent is up to £50,000, a maximum of five weeks’ rent
- Where the annual rent is over £50,000 and under £100,000, a maximum of six weeks’ rent
This applies to assured shorthold tenancies, tenancies of student accommodation and licences to occupy housing in the private rented sector in England.
How does the cap work after 1 June 2020?
| Tenancy status | Refund any excess | |
| You must comply with the 5 or 6 week deposit cap | Tenancy renews new fixed term | Yes |
| You are not limited by the 5 or 6 week deposit | Statutory/contractual periodic – started pre 1 June 2019 | No |
Calculating the deposit
•Step 1 – Monthly rent x 12 = annual rent
•Step 2 – Annual rent ÷ 52 = weekly rent
•Step 3 – Weekly rent x 5 or 6 = maximum deposit
Our deposit calculator is available on our website. It is free to use and will help you work out the maximum deposit amount you can take. We recommend all of our members use this tool to help with the calculations and make sure you protect the right amount.
Your step by step guide to complying with the five/six week deposit cap
If you have taken a deposit and protected it, with either our Insurance or Custodial scheme, or if you are due to take a deposit in the future this is what you need to do…
New deposits
Custodial & Insurance schemes
•Step 1 – Landlord/agents must only take a deposit in line with the five/six-week rent cap•Step 2 – Protect the deposit within 30 days of receiving it
•Step 3 – Give the tenant the prescribed information as well as the ‘Information for Tenants’ leaflet
You can find copies of the Deposit Protection Certificate and the leaflet online in the members’ area.
Renewing a fixed term tenancy
Insurance scheme
•Step 1 – Where scenario 2 (above) applies, you will need to return any excess deposit amount and inform the scheme of the new deposit amount by email at depositcap@mydeposits.co.uk
•Step 2 – In scenarios 1 and 2 (above), you MUST inform us that the original fixed term rolled into a periodic tenancy, which you can do online by logging into your account and updating the status. A new protection will NOT be required if the fixed term continues as a periodic tenancy
Note: As you are holding the deposit, it is up to you to make sure you are complying with the law. We suggest you keep proof of any attempts to return the excess deposit, and ask for confirmation when it’s been received.Custodial scheme
•Step 1 - Where scenario 1 (above) applies, you are NOT required to refund any excess deposit amount or inform mydeposits
•Step 2 - Where scenario 2 (above) applies we recommend you log in to your account, click on ‘my protections’ and follow the instructions to download a template which will ask you for the necessary information
•Step 3 - Once completed please send it to us by email at depositcap@mydeposits.co.ukWe will make arrangements to contact the tenant on your behalf and return the balance of the deposit to them
Note: Once you have correctly made your request to release the excess amount, your responsibility under the Act is satisfied.
Points to note
As long as the property address, the landlord and tenant remain the same, you do not need to serve the prescribed information to the tenant again. However, it is best practice to provide the tenant with the Deposit Protection Certificate confirming the new deposit amount.