A holding deposit is an upfront payment made by a prospective tenant to a landlord or letting agent to reserve a rental property before signing a tenancy agreement. It ensures that the property will not be shown to other potential tenants while the necessary checks are being conducted. This is sometimes referred to as a holding fee.
Purpose of a Holding Deposit
The landlord or letting agent might take a holding deposit to cover the period while they:
- Check your references
- Verify your ability to pay the rent
- Review your credit history
Key Points about Holding Deposits
- Exclusivity: Once a holding deposit is taken, the landlord must not show the property to anyone else.
- One at a Time: A landlord or agent can only take one holding deposit for a property at a time.
Holding Deposit vs. Tenancy Deposit
- Holding Deposit: Paid to reserve the property before the tenancy agreement is signed.
- Tenancy Deposit: Paid after the tenancy agreement is signed and serves as security against potential damages or unpaid rent during the tenancy.
Amount of a Holding Deposit
The maximum amount a landlord or letting agent can charge for a holding deposit is the equivalent of one week's rent. To calculate this, use the formula: Monthly Rent×12÷52=Maximum Holding Deposit
Refund of the Holding Deposit
Generally, the holding deposit should be refunded if:
- The landlord decides not to proceed with the tenancy.
- The tenant provides accurate information and passes the necessary checks.
However, the landlord or agent may keep the holding deposit if the prospective tenant:
- Decides not to proceed with renting the property.
- Provides false or misleading information.
- Fails a right to rent immigration check.
Legal Framework and Rights
Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords and letting agents in England must adhere to strict guidelines regarding holding deposits. These include:
- Transparency: Clear information must be provided about the holding deposit, including the amount and the circumstances under which it might be retained.
- Timeframe: The landlord or agent has 15 days to decide on the tenancy once the holding deposit is received, unless a different period is agreed upon in writing.
- Refund Obligations: If the landlord fails to take reasonable steps to enter into the tenancy within the agreed period, they must return the holding deposit in full.
Understanding these aspects can help ensure that prospective tenants are treated fairly and that their rights are protected during the rental process.
