The "Illegal Fees" Checker

Banned Fees: The "Red Flag" List

Since 2019, most fees charged by landlords and agents are illegal. If you paid any of these, you can get your money back (even if you agreed to it in the contract).

🚩 ILLEGAL (You should not pay)

• Referencing Fees: Charging you to check your credit or call your employer.
• Admin / Setup Fees: Charging for "preparing the tenancy agreement."
• Check-out Fees: Charging you to leave or for a professional clean (unless you left it dirty).
• Renewal Fees: Charging to renew your contract.
• Third-party Fees: Forcing you to pay for a specific insurance provider or gardening service.

✅ LEGAL (You might have to pay)

• Rent
• Deposit (Capped at 5 times the amount of a weeks' rent)
• Holding Deposit (Capped at 1 week's rent)
• Key Replacement: Only the actual cost of the key (with receipt).
• Late Rent Interest: Only if rent is 14+ days late, capped at 3% above Bank of England base rate.

How to Get Your Money Back

You can claim back illegal fees for up to 1 year after paying them.

Subject: Request for Refund of Prohibited Payment

Dear [Agent/Landlord Name],

I am writing to request a refund of £[Amount] paid on [Date] for [Reason, e.g., "Referencing Fees"].

Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, this charge is a "Prohibited Payment."

Please refund the full amount to the following account within 7 days: [Bank Details]

If not refunded, I will report this to the local authority and recover the money via the First-tier Tribunal.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Take Action

Did an agent or landlord try to rip you off? Join the waitlist to be the first to name and shame abusive or illegal landlord behaviour on Flatm8. Join the Waitlist