Private landlords face new limits on rent demands

Tenants rejoice! Private landlords will soon be banned from asking for several months of upfront payments.

This change is part of Labour's renters’ rights bill, which will cap advance payments at one month.

Landlords can currently demand several months’ rent in advance, which can really strain tenants’ finances.

What do the new rules mean?

Under the new rules, landlords can ask for one month’s rent plus a deposit – which can be up to six weeks’ rent, the i paper reports.

The move aims to stop tenants from falling into hardship, and deputy prime minister  Angela Rayner believes 11m will be helped by these changes.

What else will the renters’ right bill do?

The government says the bill will also:

• end bidding wars for rental homes
• scrap 'no fault' eviction
• give renters “more security and stability”

What do landlords think about this?

Some landlords are concerned about the risks of unreliable tenants.

Chris Norris from the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) says upfront payments help lower risks, especially for those who don’t meet reference requirements.

Despite these concerns, many see this as a positive step.

Ben Twomey from Generation Rent says the change is “great news,” as being forced to pay more than a month’s rent can trap people in debt and potentially lead to homelessness.

What happens next?

The bill still has a way to go before it becomes the law. It’s still in the House of Commons, awaiting its final reading before moving to the House of Lords.

Are you struggling with rent and bills?

It's not your fault if you're finding it hard to keep up with rising rent and bills as costs are climbing faster than wages.

The good news is that there is support out there:

• Check you're claiming all the benefits you’re entitled to with our free calculator.
• Contact your local council to see if you can get help from the household support fund.
• If you can no longer afford your debts, find out how we can help.

For more info about tenants’ rights, have a look at our guide on renting a private property before you move in.