Renting through Rentsmith
Tenant fees are banned, and we charge none. The landlord you enquire with is the person you view with, rent from and pay. We run the paperwork in between.
What happens after you press send
- You enquire
A short form: who you are, when you want to move, your work and income, and a message. Landlords apply a 30× income rule anyway. Answering it now puts you ahead of the pile.
- The landlord gets it
Your enquiry goes to them with your email as the reply-to. When they reply, it is them, not a call centre. Viewings are with the landlord. You can also make a formal offer from the listing page.
- Offer accepted
The holding deposit is capped at one week's rent and credited back at move-in. Referencing and Right to Rent checks cost you nothing. Charging tenants for them is illegal.
- Tenancy, deposit, keys
Everyone e-signs the agreement. Your deposit is capped at 5 weeks' rent and registered with the Deposit Protection Service — our deposit guide shows how to check it. Rent goes to the landlord.
What speeds up an application
- Photo ID — passport or driving licence
- A Right to Rent share code, if you need one
- Three months of payslips, or accounts if you are self-employed
- Your current landlord's contact details
- A guarantor's details, if your income is under 30× the monthly rent
What you can and can't be charged
You pay
- Rent, to the landlord
- A refundable deposit, capped at 5 weeks' rent
- A refundable holding deposit, capped at 1 week's rent, credited back at move-in
- Utilities and council tax, as your agreement sets out
You never pay
- Referencing or "application" fees
- Admin, check-in, inventory or renewal fees
- Anything to Rentsmith, at any point, for anything
Tenant fees are banned by the Tenant Fees Act 2019. Anyone charging you one is breaking the law. The tenant FAQ covers rent rises, pets, notice and eviction under the current rules.