Deposit Cap Calculator
Work out the maximum deposit you can legally take in England under the Tenant Fees Act 2019.
How the deposit cap works
Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 the deposit you can take is capped by the property's annual rent:
- 5 weeks' rent where the annual rent is under £50,000.
- 6 weeks' rent where the annual rent is £50,000 or more.
The weekly figure is the annual rent divided by 52, so the cap is (monthly rent × 12 ÷ 52) × 5 (or 6). A separate holding deposit is capped at one week's rent. Only the amount above the cap is a prohibited payment, and taking it can mean a penalty of up to £5,000 for a first breach. Separately, unless the deposit has been returned, the court cannot make a possession order while the deposit is unprotected or the prescribed information has not been served, except on the anti-social behaviour Grounds 7A and 14.
Frequently asked questions
How much deposit can a landlord take in England in 2026?
Five weeks' rent where the annual rent is under £50,000, and six weeks' rent where it is £50,000 or more, under the Tenant Fees Act 2019.
How much is the holding deposit cap?
One week's rent. The holding deposit is separate from the tenancy deposit and must be refunded or put towards the rent or deposit when the tenancy goes ahead.
What happens if I take more than the deposit cap?
Only the amount above the cap is a prohibited payment under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, and taking it can mean a financial penalty of up to £5,000 for a first breach. You must also protect the deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days.
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