Fees and terms for tenants

Clear terms. No surprises.

At Sable and Stone Real Estate, we believe renting a property should be straightforward, transparent and professionally managed. We provide tenants with clear information about the financial commitments associated with a tenancy before they are required to proceed.

Our fees and requirements will depend on the property, the type of tenancy and the circumstances of the applicant. We will confirm all applicable charges and tenancy terms clearly before you commit.

Rent

Rent is payable in accordance with the tenancy agreement.

The agreed rent, payment frequency, payment date and payment method will be confirmed before the tenancy begins. Tenants are responsible for making payments on time throughout the tenancy.

Tenancy deposit

Where a tenancy deposit is required, the amount is capped by law:

Annual rentMaximum deposit
Under £50,000 a yearFive weeks' rent
£50,000 a year or moreSix weeks' rent

The exact amount is confirmed before the tenancy is entered into. Your deposit is protected in a government-approved scheme and the prescribed information is served on you within the statutory time limit.

The deposit may be used at the end of the tenancy where permitted by law, including in relation to:

  • Unpaid rent
  • Damage beyond reasonable wear and tear
  • Missing items
  • Cleaning where the tenant is contractually responsible and the required conditions are met
  • Other losses permitted under the tenancy agreement and applicable law

Holding deposit

A holding deposit is capped by law at one week's rent, calculated as the annual rent divided by 52. We will explain the terms before you pay anything.

Once you have paid a holding deposit there is a deadline for agreement, normally 15 days, and the deposit must be repaid within 7 days in most circumstances if a tenancy does not go ahead. The limited situations in which it can be retained will be explained to you in writing at the time.

The holding deposit will be handled in accordance with applicable legislation, including the Tenant Fees Act 2019 and associated requirements.

Permitted payments

For residential tenancies in England, landlords and agents are generally restricted as to the payments they can require from tenants.

Depending on the circumstances, permitted payments can include:

  • Rent
  • A tenancy deposit
  • A holding deposit
  • Payments relating to certain changes to a tenancy where legally permitted
  • Certain early termination costs where legally permitted

Payments for utilities, communication services, council tax and other services where the tenant is contractually responsible.

Certain costs arising from a tenant's breach of the tenancy agreement where legally permitted.

We will not charge tenants prohibited fees.

Before you commit

Before entering into a tenancy, we recommend that prospective tenants carefully consider their financial position and ongoing responsibilities.

You should understand:

  • The rent: how much is payable and when
  • The deposit: how much is required and how it will be protected
  • The tenancy term: the length and nature of your agreement
  • Your responsibilities: including utilities, council tax and property care where applicable
  • The property condition: including any inventory or check-in documentation
  • The termination provisions: including any applicable notice requirements

Referencing

Where referencing is required, applicants may be asked to provide appropriate information to verify their identity, financial circumstances, employment or income and previous rental history.

Depending on your circumstances, a guarantor may be required.

Providing complete and accurate information promptly can help avoid unnecessary delays.

Professional and transparent

Our aim is to ensure that prospective tenants understand their financial and contractual commitments before proceeding.

We will provide relevant information at the appropriate stage and encourage tenants to ask questions if anything is unclear.

Where you require independent legal or financial advice, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional.

Clear terms. Considered service. Refined property representation.

This page provides general information only. The precise fees, permitted payments and tenancy terms applicable to a particular property will be confirmed in the relevant tenancy documentation and in accordance with applicable law.