Rent in advance
Rent paid before the tenancy starts. Since 1 May 2026 a landlord in England can take no more than one month's rent before the tenancy is entered into.
In short: Rent in advance is rent paid before the tenancy begins. Under the Renters' Rights Act a private landlord or agent in England may ask for at most one month's rent before the tenancy is entered into. Asking for several months up front, even from people new to the UK, is not allowed.
Rent and rent increasesFinding a tenant
England. Checked against the law on 5 October 2026. Information, not legal advice.
The limit took effect on 1 May 2026. It works alongside the Tenant Fees Act 2019:
- At most one month's rent (or one rent period for a weekly tenancy) before the tenancy is entered into.
- A tenancy deposit of up to five weeks' rent is separate and must be protected.
- A holding deposit of up to one week's rent is separate too.
- Once the tenancy has started, rent is paid on the rent days the tenancy sets.
A landlord who wants extra security can ask for a guarantor or take out rent guarantee insurance at their own cost; they cannot take more rent up front.
Read more: Fees a landlord or agent cannot charge you, and rent in advance
Related: Deposit cap, Guarantor, Prohibited payment
Where this comes from
Guides on this
Guide
Rent in advance and rent bidding: what the Renters’ Rights Act allows
Since 1 May 2026 you cannot take rent before the tenancy agreement is signed, can take at most one month's rent before it starts, and cannot invite or accept offers above the rent you advertised.
Guide
How to raise the rent (once a year, section 13)
In England you can raise the rent once every twelve months, by a section 13 notice on the prescribed form with two months' notice. Here is the procedure and what the tenant can do about it.
Guide
What to do when a tenant stops paying rent
Rent arrears in England: check the facts, talk early, agree a plan in writing and keep records. If it cannot be solved, possession is by section 8 notice and a court order only. Never change the locks.
Guide
First-time landlord checklist for England
From deciding to let to the first rent arriving: the consents, safety checks, licence, right to rent, written statement, deposit, inventory, landlord database and tax, in order, as the law stands after 1 May 2026.
Related terms
Glossary
Client money protection (CMP)
Cover that repays landlords and tenants if an agent loses or misuses money it holds for them. Compulsory for agents in England that hold client money.
Glossary
First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)
The tribunal that decides many housing disputes in England: challenged rent increases, rent repayment orders, banned fees, licensing appeals and leasehold service charges.
Glossary
Form 4A
The prescribed government form for a section 13 notice proposing a new rent on a private assured tenancy in England.
Glossary
Guarantor
A person who promises in writing to pay the rent, or cover other losses, if the tenant does not. Often asked of students or people on a lower income.
Glossary
Joint and several liability
When people rent a home together on one tenancy, each of them is responsible for the whole rent and the whole of the tenancy, not just their share.
Glossary
Letting agent
A business that finds tenants for landlords or manages lets. In England it must join a redress scheme, publish its fees and, if it holds client money, have CMP.