Calculate the maximum holding deposit and tenancy-deposit estimate for an applicable private tenancy in England, plus the deposit and first-month total.
Tenancy Deposit Calculator
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This is an estimate, not a referencing decision or legal or financial advice. Letting agents and landlords set their own affordability criteria. England-specific deposit rules are identified clearly.
England deposit limits used
For applicable tenancies in England, current GOV.UK guidance states that the maximum tenancy deposit is:
- Up to five weeks’ rent when annual rent is below £50,000.
- Up to six weeks’ rent when annual rent is £50,000 or more.
- A holding deposit of up to one week’s rent.
The current detailed fees guidance describes six-week deposits for annual rent between £50,000 and £100,000. FigurePath displays a separate-advice warning at or above £100,000 rather than making an unqualified cap claim.
Formula
- Annual rent = monthly rent × 12.
- Weekly rent = annual rent ÷ 52.
- Tenancy-deposit estimate = weekly rent × five or six.
- Displayed upfront total = tenancy deposit + first month’s rent.
The holding deposit is shown separately. It may be refunded or, with the tenant’s agreement, applied to the first month’s rent or tenancy deposit. Do not automatically add it twice.
Worked examples
Example 1: £1,200 monthly rent
Annual rent is £14,400 and weekly rent is approximately £276.92. The five-week tenancy-deposit cap estimate is £1,384.62. Deposit plus the first month is approximately £2,584.62. The maximum holding deposit is approximately £276.92 and is displayed separately.
Example 2: £4,000 monthly rent
Annual rent is £48,000, so the five-week calculation still applies. Weekly rent is approximately £923.08 and the tenancy-deposit estimate is £4,615.38.
Example 3: £4,500 monthly rent
Annual rent is £54,000, so the six-week calculation applies. Weekly rent is approximately £1,038.46 and the tenancy-deposit estimate is £6,230.77. Deposit plus the first month is approximately £10,730.77.
Rent requested before moving in
From 1 May 2026, for the relevant assured periodic tenancies in England, a landlord or agent cannot request, encourage or accept rent before the tenancy agreement is signed. For monthly rent, they may request a maximum of the first month during the period after signing and before the tenancy begins. Different timing can apply to more frequent rent periods and excluded arrangements.
Important limitations
- This calculator applies to England, not Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
- Lodgers, licences, high-rent tenancies and other excluded arrangements can follow different rules.
- The landlord does not have to charge the maximum amount.
- The result does not include moving costs, bills, Council Tax or optional insurance.
- Use the monthly rent for the whole tenancy, not each tenant’s personal share, when the deposit relates to a joint tenancy.
Frequently asked questions
Is a holding deposit the same as a tenancy deposit?
No. A holding deposit reserves the property while checks take place. A tenancy deposit is held during the tenancy against permitted losses such as damage or unpaid rent.
Can the agent charge every joint tenant one week’s holding deposit?
The one-week limit applies to the property’s agreed rent as a whole, not one week from every person on the same tenancy.
Must my tenancy deposit be protected?
For applicable private tenancies in England, the landlord must use a government-approved tenancy deposit protection scheme and provide the required information.
Can I be asked for six months’ rent upfront?
New England rules effective from 1 May 2026 restrict rent requested in advance for relevant tenancies. Check the official guidance for the agreement type and obtain advice if an agent requests more.
Related renting calculators
Official sources and review
- GOV.UK: private renting deposits
- GOV.UK: fees that can be charged as part of a tenancy
- GOV.UK: Tenant Fees Act guidance for tenants
- GOV.UK: asking for rent in advance
Calculation version: 1.2.2
Rules reviewed: 18 July 2026
This is an educational estimate, not legal advice. Check the current official guidance for the tenancy and obtain advice where the arrangement is unclear.
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