Tenant Information And Permitted Tenant Fees
So, you have found your perfect property to rent… what happens now?
OFFER / APPLICATION
Having viewed and decided on a suitable property to rent, you will need to complete a reference application and pay your holding fee (see 'Permitted Tenant's Fees' below). We can only hold your chosen property once we receive a holding fee. Your holding fee will hold your chosen property for 15 days, during which time we will undertake our checks to ensure you will be a suitable tenant for the landlord.
Please note that under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, all properties are let at the advertised asking rent. We are prohibited from inviting or accepting offers above the advertised price... there are no bidding wars.
REFERENCES
We will undertake references on behalf of the landlord. Normally these will include an employment reference, past landlord reference, credit check (credit score, current and past CCJ/IVA check, current and past insolvency check), identity check (Right to Rent), current address verification and bank statement analysis (if applicable).
If you are unable to meet the required income or credit checks, you may be asked to provide a guarantor who will underwrite your liabilities for the duration of your tenancy if you were, at any time, unable to meet them.
We operate a fair and transparent referencing process. Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, we are prohibited from applying blanket refusals to applicants on the basis that they have children or are in receipt of housing benefit or other benefits. All applications are assessed on individual merits.
RENT
Rents are quoted on a calendar month basis. In addition, a tenant is usually responsible for council tax, water rates, gas, electricity and broadband/telephone costs.
Rents are payable by standing order (unless alternative arrangements are agreed in advance) to our company bank account, monthly in advance.
Important: Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, we cannot request or accept rent in advance before your tenancy agreement has been signed. Once the agreement is signed, your first month's rent will be due before you take occupation of the property. Rent in advance is capped at one month's rent for new tenancies.
Rent increases: Once your tenancy is underway, your rent can only be increased once every 12 months, and you must be given at least two months' written notice via a formal Section 13 notice before any increase takes effect.
DEPOSIT
A security deposit (or 'dilapidation bond') will be required prior to occupation. This is normally equivalent to five weeks' rent.
Where we are managing the property, the security deposit will be lodged with the Deposit Protection Service (DPS), a government-authorised custodial scheme. You will be informed in writing once your deposit has been successfully lodged. Where we are not managing the property, a tenancy deposit will be taken and either lodged with the DPS by ourselves, or passed to the landlord who will lodge it with their chosen government-authorised custodial scheme.
The deposit is held to cover any breakages, damage, rent arrears or other tenant liabilities. Where we are managing the property, at the end of the tenancy we will check the property in your presence and assess any damages and deductions due.
Please note that the deposit cannot be used by you to cover your rent.
YOUR TENANCY
Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, all new tenancies are assured periodic tenancies meaning they roll on a monthly basis with no fixed end date. This gives you greater security of tenure as a tenant.
Your tenancy can only be brought to an end by you giving notice, or by your landlord demonstrating specific legal grounds under a Section 8 notice. 'No-fault' evictions (previously known as Section 21 notices) have been abolished. Your home is protected.
Should you wish to end your tenancy, you are required to give a minimum of two months' written notice to Magenta Estate Agents or your landlord. Notice can be given at any point during the tenancy and should be provided in writing, clearly stating your intended vacating date.
PHOTOGRAPHIC INVENTORY
An inventory will be prepared ahead of your move-in, which provides a record of the property's condition at the start of your tenancy. Depending on the property, this may be independently prepared for ourselves or compiled by your landlord directly. In either case, the inventory acts as a mutually agreed 'snapshot' of the property's condition, so that any dilapidations or damages at the end of the tenancy can be fairly assessed. You will be asked to read and sign it to confirm your agreement with its findings.
LANDLORD'S & TENANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES
Which party is responsible for what varies slightly depending on the property, but generally speaking:
The Landlord is usually responsible for:
- Insuring the property structure against fire, flood and the like
- Repair and maintenance of the hot water and heating systems, pipes and electrical system
- Repair of appliances included with the property
- Where the property is a flat or apartment: service charges for maintenance to the structure of the building, and the cleaning and electricity in communal areas
The Tenant is usually responsible for:
- All utility bills (electricity, gas and water) and council tax
- Telephone, broadband or cable TV if required (the landlord's permission is needed to install these if not already in place)
- Insuring their own possessions (contents insurance)
- Repair of any appliances they have themselves provided
- Keeping the property clean and in good condition
- Reporting any defects to the landlord or to Magenta Estate Agents promptly
Your tenancy agreement will detail exactly what you are responsible for.
PETS
Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, you have the right to request permission to keep a pet at the property. Your landlord must respond to any such request within 28 days and cannot unreasonably withhold consent.
Where consent is granted, you will be required to:
- Obtain the landlord's prior written consent
- Ensure your pet is kept in good health, with all recommended vaccinations and treatments (including flea and worm treatments) kept up to date (evidence may be requested)
AT THE END OF YOUR TENANCY
When you leave the property, we will conduct an exit inspection and compare the condition of the property and its contents against the inventory commissioned at the start of the tenancy. If there are no dilapidations, your full deposit will be returned within 10 days of the tenancy ending.
If the inspection identifies any dilapidations (to the property or to any fixtures and fittings), your landlord may choose to withhold some or all of your deposit to cover the costs. In most cases, the amount to be withheld will be agreed between you and the landlord, with our assistance, and the balance of your deposit returned to you. If agreement cannot be reached, the Deposit Protection Service (DPS) will act as an independent arbitrator.
PERMITTED TENANT FEES
(All fees are inclusive of VAT at 20%)
BEFORE MOVE-IN
Holding Deposit (per tenancy). Equivalent to one week's rent.
For example, if the property is advertised at £750 per calendar month: £750 x 12 = £9,000 ÷ 52 = £173.08
The holding deposit will reserve the property for 15 days (the "deadline for agreement"), during which referencing and checks will be undertaken.
The holding deposit will be refunded or applied towards the first month's rent or tenancy deposit, unless one of the following applies:
- The tenant provides false or misleading information which reasonably affects the decision to let the property
- The tenant fails a Right to Rent check
- The tenant withdraws from the proposed agreement
- The tenant fails to take all reasonable steps to enter into the tenancy
If the holding deposit is retained, we will notify the applicant in writing within 7 days of the decision or the deadline for agreement.
Important: Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, rent cannot be requested or accepted before the tenancy agreement is signed. Once signed, your first month's rent (less any holding deposit applied) is due before move-in, and is capped at one month's rent.
DURING YOUR TENANCY
Variation, assignment or novation of tenancy
A fee of £50 (or reasonable costs if higher) may be charged, in accordance with the Tenant Fees Act 2019.
Rent increases
Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, rent can only be increased once every 12 months. You must receive at least two months' written notice via a Section 13 notice before any increase takes effect.
OTHER PERMITTED PAYMENTS
Default for late payment of rent
Interest may be charged at 3% above the Bank of England base rate, from 14 days after the rent due date.
Loss of keys or security devices
You will be liable for the reasonable cost of replacement.
Damage or cleaning
You are responsible for returning the property in the same condition as at the start of the tenancy (fair wear and tear excepted). Any damage or cleaning required will be charged at the reasonable cost of remedying the issue and may be deducted from the security deposit.
Contractor call-outs due to tenant fault
Where your actions or neglect require attendance by a contractor, you will be responsible for the reasonable costs incurred.
FOR ANY TENANCY 'OUT OF HOURS' EMERGENCIES, PLEASE EMAIL info@magenta-ea.co.uk Our mailbox is checked regularly and we will always respond as soon as possible.
This document reflects the requirements of the Renters' Rights Act 2025, which came into force on 1 May 2026. If you have any questions about the lettings process, please do not hesitate to contact us.
OFFER / APPLICATION
Having viewed and decided on a suitable property to rent, you will need to complete a reference application and pay your holding fee (see 'Permitted Tenant's Fees' below). We can only hold your chosen property once we receive a holding fee. Your holding fee will hold your chosen property for 15 days, during which time we will undertake our checks to ensure you will be a suitable tenant for the landlord.
Please note that under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, all properties are let at the advertised asking rent. We are prohibited from inviting or accepting offers above the advertised price... there are no bidding wars.
REFERENCES
We will undertake references on behalf of the landlord. Normally these will include an employment reference, past landlord reference, credit check (credit score, current and past CCJ/IVA check, current and past insolvency check), identity check (Right to Rent), current address verification and bank statement analysis (if applicable).
If you are unable to meet the required income or credit checks, you may be asked to provide a guarantor who will underwrite your liabilities for the duration of your tenancy if you were, at any time, unable to meet them.
We operate a fair and transparent referencing process. Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, we are prohibited from applying blanket refusals to applicants on the basis that they have children or are in receipt of housing benefit or other benefits. All applications are assessed on individual merits.
RENT
Rents are quoted on a calendar month basis. In addition, a tenant is usually responsible for council tax, water rates, gas, electricity and broadband/telephone costs.
Rents are payable by standing order (unless alternative arrangements are agreed in advance) to our company bank account, monthly in advance.
Important: Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, we cannot request or accept rent in advance before your tenancy agreement has been signed. Once the agreement is signed, your first month's rent will be due before you take occupation of the property. Rent in advance is capped at one month's rent for new tenancies.
Rent increases: Once your tenancy is underway, your rent can only be increased once every 12 months, and you must be given at least two months' written notice via a formal Section 13 notice before any increase takes effect.
DEPOSIT
A security deposit (or 'dilapidation bond') will be required prior to occupation. This is normally equivalent to five weeks' rent.
Where we are managing the property, the security deposit will be lodged with the Deposit Protection Service (DPS), a government-authorised custodial scheme. You will be informed in writing once your deposit has been successfully lodged. Where we are not managing the property, a tenancy deposit will be taken and either lodged with the DPS by ourselves, or passed to the landlord who will lodge it with their chosen government-authorised custodial scheme.
The deposit is held to cover any breakages, damage, rent arrears or other tenant liabilities. Where we are managing the property, at the end of the tenancy we will check the property in your presence and assess any damages and deductions due.
Please note that the deposit cannot be used by you to cover your rent.
YOUR TENANCY
Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, all new tenancies are assured periodic tenancies meaning they roll on a monthly basis with no fixed end date. This gives you greater security of tenure as a tenant.
Your tenancy can only be brought to an end by you giving notice, or by your landlord demonstrating specific legal grounds under a Section 8 notice. 'No-fault' evictions (previously known as Section 21 notices) have been abolished. Your home is protected.
Should you wish to end your tenancy, you are required to give a minimum of two months' written notice to Magenta Estate Agents or your landlord. Notice can be given at any point during the tenancy and should be provided in writing, clearly stating your intended vacating date.
PHOTOGRAPHIC INVENTORY
An inventory will be prepared ahead of your move-in, which provides a record of the property's condition at the start of your tenancy. Depending on the property, this may be independently prepared for ourselves or compiled by your landlord directly. In either case, the inventory acts as a mutually agreed 'snapshot' of the property's condition, so that any dilapidations or damages at the end of the tenancy can be fairly assessed. You will be asked to read and sign it to confirm your agreement with its findings.
LANDLORD'S & TENANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES
Which party is responsible for what varies slightly depending on the property, but generally speaking:
The Landlord is usually responsible for:
- Insuring the property structure against fire, flood and the like
- Repair and maintenance of the hot water and heating systems, pipes and electrical system
- Repair of appliances included with the property
- Where the property is a flat or apartment: service charges for maintenance to the structure of the building, and the cleaning and electricity in communal areas
The Tenant is usually responsible for:
- All utility bills (electricity, gas and water) and council tax
- Telephone, broadband or cable TV if required (the landlord's permission is needed to install these if not already in place)
- Insuring their own possessions (contents insurance)
- Repair of any appliances they have themselves provided
- Keeping the property clean and in good condition
- Reporting any defects to the landlord or to Magenta Estate Agents promptly
Your tenancy agreement will detail exactly what you are responsible for.
PETS
Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, you have the right to request permission to keep a pet at the property. Your landlord must respond to any such request within 28 days and cannot unreasonably withhold consent.
Where consent is granted, you will be required to:
- Obtain the landlord's prior written consent
- Ensure your pet is kept in good health, with all recommended vaccinations and treatments (including flea and worm treatments) kept up to date (evidence may be requested)
AT THE END OF YOUR TENANCY
When you leave the property, we will conduct an exit inspection and compare the condition of the property and its contents against the inventory commissioned at the start of the tenancy. If there are no dilapidations, your full deposit will be returned within 10 days of the tenancy ending.
If the inspection identifies any dilapidations (to the property or to any fixtures and fittings), your landlord may choose to withhold some or all of your deposit to cover the costs. In most cases, the amount to be withheld will be agreed between you and the landlord, with our assistance, and the balance of your deposit returned to you. If agreement cannot be reached, the Deposit Protection Service (DPS) will act as an independent arbitrator.
PERMITTED TENANT FEES
(All fees are inclusive of VAT at 20%)
BEFORE MOVE-IN
Holding Deposit (per tenancy). Equivalent to one week's rent.
For example, if the property is advertised at £750 per calendar month: £750 x 12 = £9,000 ÷ 52 = £173.08
The holding deposit will reserve the property for 15 days (the "deadline for agreement"), during which referencing and checks will be undertaken.
The holding deposit will be refunded or applied towards the first month's rent or tenancy deposit, unless one of the following applies:
- The tenant provides false or misleading information which reasonably affects the decision to let the property
- The tenant fails a Right to Rent check
- The tenant withdraws from the proposed agreement
- The tenant fails to take all reasonable steps to enter into the tenancy
If the holding deposit is retained, we will notify the applicant in writing within 7 days of the decision or the deadline for agreement.
Important: Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, rent cannot be requested or accepted before the tenancy agreement is signed. Once signed, your first month's rent (less any holding deposit applied) is due before move-in, and is capped at one month's rent.
DURING YOUR TENANCY
Variation, assignment or novation of tenancy
A fee of £50 (or reasonable costs if higher) may be charged, in accordance with the Tenant Fees Act 2019.
Rent increases
Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, rent can only be increased once every 12 months. You must receive at least two months' written notice via a Section 13 notice before any increase takes effect.
OTHER PERMITTED PAYMENTS
Default for late payment of rent
Interest may be charged at 3% above the Bank of England base rate, from 14 days after the rent due date.
Loss of keys or security devices
You will be liable for the reasonable cost of replacement.
Damage or cleaning
You are responsible for returning the property in the same condition as at the start of the tenancy (fair wear and tear excepted). Any damage or cleaning required will be charged at the reasonable cost of remedying the issue and may be deducted from the security deposit.
Contractor call-outs due to tenant fault
Where your actions or neglect require attendance by a contractor, you will be responsible for the reasonable costs incurred.
FOR ANY TENANCY 'OUT OF HOURS' EMERGENCIES, PLEASE EMAIL info@magenta-ea.co.uk Our mailbox is checked regularly and we will always respond as soon as possible.
This document reflects the requirements of the Renters' Rights Act 2025, which came into force on 1 May 2026. If you have any questions about the lettings process, please do not hesitate to contact us.