FAQs for Tenants
What fees will I need to pay?
In line with current law in England you will not be charged any administration fees to rent a property.
The only upfront costs are:
- A holding deposit (capped at 1 week’s rent)
- A tenancy deposit (capped at 5 weeks’ rent where annual rent is under £50,000)
Your tenancy deposit will be held in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme. The holding deposit is credited against the move-in funds (please see below)
Permitted charges are limited by law and may include:
- Charges for lost keys or security devices
- Default fees for late rent (subject to legal caps)
- Reasonable costs for tenant-requested changes (e.g. tenancy variation or assignment), typically capped at £50 unless higher costs can be evidenced
Is my deposit protected?
All tenancy deposits are protected in a government-approved scheme such as the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) or equivalent. You will receive prescribed information confirming where your deposit is held.
What about bills?
This depends on your tenancy agreement. Unless stated otherwise, tenants are responsible for:
- Gas and electricity
- Water
- Broadband
- Council tax
Landlords must ensure energy performance standards are met where applicable under regulations.
What is the process for renting a property as a tenant?
Once you find a property you’re interested in:
- Arrange a viewing
- Submit an offer
- If accepted you will then pay a holding deposit in order for the property to be taken off the market
You will then undergo referencing checks. Once completed:
- You’ll sign a tenancy agreement (now typically a periodic tenancy, rather than a fixed-term AST, in line with new legislation)
- Pay remaining funds (deposit plus the first month’s rent minus holding deposit)
- Receive key documents (EPC, gas safety, “How to Rent” guide etc.)
You can then move in on the agreed date.
What are referencing checks?
Referencing checks verify your identity, income and rental history.
You’ll need to provide:
- Proof of ID, proof of current address and right-to-rent share code (if applicable)
- Employment/income details
- Previous address history and landlord details
These checks ensure affordability and suitability.
What is a guarantor and do I need one?
A guarantor may be required if you do not meet the affordability criteria. A guarantor agrees to cover rent or damages if you are unable to pay for these and they must also pass referencing checks.
What type of tenancy will I have?
Under the new Renters’ Rights reforms:
- Most tenancies will be periodic (rolling month-to-month) rather than fixed-term
- You can leave at any time by giving 2 months’ notice
- Landlords must use specific legal grounds to end a tenancy (see below)
Can my landlord evict me?
“No-fault” evictions (Section 21) have been abolished. Landlords can only regain possession using specific legal grounds such as:
- Selling the property
- Moving in themselves or a family member
- Serious rent arrears or breach of tenancy
All evictions must follow a legal process.
Can my rent be increased?
Rent increases are limited to:
- Once per year
- Must reflect market rates
- Must be formally notified
You have the right to challenge excessive increases via a tribunal.
Can I keep pets?
Tenants now have the right to request a pet. Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse this although they may require appropriate pet insurance and it can depend on whether pets are permitted under the lease of the lease or the head lease of a building or development.
What happens at the end of my tenancy?
As most tenancies are now periodic there is no fixed “end date.”
You can:
- Stay in the property indefinitely (while complying with the agreement)
- Leave by giving notice
- Agree terms with your landlord if circumstances change
What is the process of moving out?
When leaving:
- Provide proper notice (usually 2 months)
- Return the property in good condition (as per the original inventory)
- A check-out inspection will be carried out
Any deductions from your deposit must be reasonable and can be disputed through the deposit scheme.
FAQs for Landlords
What is the process for listing my property with Islington Properties?
- Agree a pricing and marketing strategy
- Ensure compliance (EPC, EICR, gas safety etc.)
- Prepare legally compliant listings
- Market the property
- Agree terms with a tenant
- Begin referencing
Do you offer property management as well as a lettings service?
Yes we offer both lettings-only and fully managed services with bespoke options available.
What does your property management package include?
Our service includes:
- Rent collection and statements
- Arrears management
- Property inspections
- Maintenance coordination
- Inventory and check-in/out reports
- Deposit handling
- Compliance with all legal requirements
What are my responsibilities as a landlord?
Under the new Renters’ Rights framework landlords must:
- Maintain the property in a safe and habitable condition
- Address repairs promptly
- Comply with all safety regulations
- Follow legal processes for rent increases and possession
You must also:
- Register with the proposed landlord ombudsman (when required)
- Avoid unlawful discrimination against tenants (including those with children or benefits)
Can I still end a tenancy?
Yes but only using valid legal grounds. Section 21 “no-fault” evictions were abolished on 1 May 2026.
You must provide evidence and follow the correct legal process.
Grounds include:
- Selling the property
- Moving in yourself or a close family member
- Tenant breach (e.g. rent arrears, anti-social behaviour)
How do rent increases work?
- Limited to once per year
- Must be fair and in line with market rates
- Tenants can challenge increases
Can tenants stay indefinitely?
Yes. Tenancies are now typically periodic, meaning tenants can remain as long as they comply with the agreement and rent is paid.
What happens if I want to sell my property?
You can sell:
- With tenants in situ (subject to tenancy terms)
- Or by regaining possession using the appropriate legal ground
We can advise on the best strategy and assist with any sales process.
