Can a letting agent charge me for references, credit checks, viewings, renewals or the tenancy agreement?Beta*

No. Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords and agents in England can't charge tenants for viewings, referencing, credit checks, drawing up the tenancy agreement, inventories, check-in or check-out, renewing the tenancy, or writing you a reference for your next landlord. The only payments they can ask for are: rent; a holding deposit of up to one week's rent; a tenancy deposit of up to five weeks' rent; a fee of up to £50 for changing the tenancy at your request; the costs of ending a tenancy early at your request; bills such as utilities and council tax; and set charges for a lost key or late rent. If you have paid a banned fee, ask for it back in writing. Trading standards can fine the agent, and you can claim the money back through the county court.

Sources: GOV.UK: Tenant Fees Act guidance