New laws will ban letting agents and landlords in England from charging tenants certain fees in an effort to make renting more affordable and accessible. Letting fees for new tenancies were outlawed in England in June 2019, but the ban did not include fees related to pets or disabled adaptations. The government is now extending the ban to cover these fees, and it will come into effect from 1 June 2023. Housing Secretary Michael Gove said the move will save tenants an estimated £70 million a year and will make it easier for people with disabilities to find suitable accommodation. “These new measures will help hard-working families save money and ensure that disabled people and those with pets have the same opportunities to find a safe and secure home,” he said. The ban will apply to all new tenancies in the private rented sector, including assured shorthold tenancies, student lets and holiday lets. It will cover fees for: _ Pet deposits and pet fees _ Fees for disabled adaptations _ Fees for referencing _ Fees for guarantors _ Fees for contract renewal Agents and landlords will still be able to charge tenants for actual costs incurred, such as referencing fees and credit checks. However, these costs must be reasonable and must be agreed with the tenant in advance. The government is also introducing a new model tenancy agreement that will include a list of all the fees that can be charged to tenants. This will make it easier for tenants to understand what fees they are liable for. The ban on letting fees has been welcomed by tenant groups, who say it will make a significant difference to people’s lives. Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: .
New UK tenant fees ban to extend to pet ownership, disabled adaptations
