Tenant Fees Act Refund Checker
The Tenant Fees Act 2019 bans landlords and agents from charging most fees to tenants in England. Tick any fees you were charged and enter the amount to find out how much you may be owed back.
Disclaimer
About this tool — how it works
This checker lists eight categories of fee that the Tenant Fees Act 2019 bans landlords and letting agents from charging tenants in England — including admin and application fees, referencing and guarantor fees, renewal fees, viewing fees, inventory check-out fees, and cleaning charges made a condition of the tenancy. You tick every fee you were charged and enter the amount, and the tool adds these up into a single total of what you may be able to claim back. It then shows the same four-step route to reclaiming it: writing to the landlord or agent citing the Act, reporting a refusal to Trading Standards, applying to the free First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), and keeping your evidence.
The total shown is only a sum of the figures you type in — the tool does not verify that a fee was actually charged, does not check your tenancy agreement, and does not confirm your tenancy falls within the Act’s scope (broadly, assured shorthold and similar tenancies in England starting on or after 1 June 2019, or continuing from 1 June 2020).
It covers England only; Scotland and Wales have their own separate rules on letting fees, which this tool does not attempt to apply. It cannot assess a fee that does not fit one of the eight listed categories, and it is not a substitute for reading your tenancy agreement or getting advice from Citizens Advice or Shelter if the letting agent disputes your claim.
Frequently asked questions
Which fees does this checker cover?
Eight categories banned by the Tenant Fees Act 2019: admin or application fees, inventory check-out fees, referencing or credit check fees, guarantor arrangement fees, tenancy renewal fees, cleaning fees charged in advance, viewing fees, and contract clauses requiring you to pay for a "professional clean" at the end of the tenancy.
How does it calculate the amount I could claim back?
It simply adds up the amounts you enter next to each fee you tick — it is a running total of what you told the tool you were charged, not a verified figure. You need your own receipts or correspondence to support the actual amounts when you claim.
Does the Tenant Fees Act apply to me?
The Act covers assured shorthold tenancies, and similar tenancies, in England only — the tool does not ask which country your tenancy is in, so it assumes England. Scotland and Wales have separate fee rules. It applies to tenancies that started on or after 1 June 2019, and to all relevant tenancies from 1 June 2020.
What does the tool suggest doing with the result?
It sets out the same four next steps regardless of the amount: write to the landlord or agent citing the Act, report a refusal to Trading Standards (who can fine up to £5,000 per breach, unlimited for repeat offences), apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), which is free, and keep all receipts and correspondence as evidence.