Ten things to check before you sign a London tenancy

Nobody can charge you agency fees

Since 2019 it has been illegal to charge tenants for viewings, referencing or administration. The only permitted payments are rent, a refundable deposit capped at five weeks' rent, a holding deposit of no more than one week's rent, and certain defaults such as a lost key.

Check the deposit will be protected

Your deposit must be registered with a government-approved scheme within 30 days, and you must receive the prescribed information. Ask which scheme before you pay.

Ask for the safety certificates

A valid Gas Safety Certificate, an Electrical Installation Condition Report and an EPC of at least band E. Smoke alarms on every storey, and a carbon monoxide alarm wherever there is a fixed combustion appliance.

You can now leave with two months' notice

All tenancies are periodic, so you are not locked into a fixed term. You can end the tenancy at any point by giving two months' notice.

Rent in advance is no longer allowed

On tenancies entered into on or after 1 May 2026 a landlord cannot ask for more than one month’s rent in advance. If you are asked for six or twelve months up front, question it.

Photograph everything on day one

Go through the inventory carefully and take dated photographs of any existing damage. It is the single best protection for your deposit.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, please take professional advice on your own circumstances.