The Tenant Fees Act controls the way a holding deposit is taken and handled. For most landlords the headline rules are straightforward.
The practical controls
- The maximum holding deposit is one week’s rent.
- You cannot accept more than one holding deposit for the same tenancy at the same time.
- The standard deadline is 15 calendar days after receiving it, unless a different period is agreed with the tenant in writing.
- The decision to refund, apply or retain the money needs to follow the permitted rules and be evidenced.
Why Landlord Buddy treats this as a journey
The safest process is to record the offer, provide the holding-deposit information, record receipt, reserve the property and then track the referencing and deadline. Treating the payment as an isolated transaction loses the context that matters.
Read the official fees guidance on GOV.UK
Source: Official GOV.UK guidance. Last reviewed 2 September 2026.