Advertising Rules & Rental Bidding Banned
From 1 May 2026, rental bidding wars are banned and rent in advance is restricted to one month. Landlords and agents must advertise a clear asking rent and must not invite, encourage or accept offers above that rent.
Book a Rental ValuationWhat Changes from 1 May 2026
Rental Bidding Wars Are Banned
The Renters' Rights Act bans rental bidding wars from 1 May 2026. Landlords and agents must advertise a clear asking rent and must not invite, encourage or accept offers above that rent.
The advertised rent becomes the maximum lawful rent. This is a significant change from current practice, where competitive rental markets have often seen tenants offering above the asking price to secure a property.
Key risk: Casual wording, informal negotiations or 'best offers' discussions can create compliance issues and expose landlords and agents to enforcement action.
Rent in Advance — One Month Maximum
From 1 May 2026, landlords cannot require more than one month's rent upfront. Large advance rent payments used to 'screen' tenants or provide additional security are prohibited.
These rules aim to prevent unfair barriers to accessing rented housing, particularly for tenants on lower incomes or benefits who may struggle to pay several months' rent in advance.
Important: Existing payment workflows and tenancy onboarding processes may need to be updated to avoid inadvertent breaches.
Practical Impact for Landlords
These changes require landlords and letting agents to review their marketing practices, application processes and tenancy onboarding workflows before 1 May 2026. The key areas to address are:
Marketing Language
Review all property listings and marketing materials to ensure they state a clear asking rent and do not include any language that could be interpreted as inviting offers above the advertised price.
Application Processes
Remove any application forms or processes that ask tenants to state what they are willing to pay. All applications should be assessed on the basis of the advertised rent.
Payment Workflows
Update payment collection processes to ensure no more than one month's rent is collected upfront. Review any existing arrangements that require larger advance payments.
Agent Instructions
If you use a letting agent, ensure they understand the new rules and have updated their processes accordingly. Landlords remain responsible for compliance even when using an agent.
How Managed Lettings Helps
Compliance built into every step
Our managed lettings service handles marketing, advertising and tenant onboarding in full compliance with the new rules. We ensure asking rents are clearly stated, no bidding is encouraged, and payment workflows are updated for the post-May 2026 regime.
View managed lettingsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I still ask for a holding deposit?
Yes. Holding deposits are not affected by the rent in advance restriction. However, holding deposits remain subject to the Tenant Fees Act 2019 rules — they must not exceed one week's rent and must be refunded or applied to the first month's rent in accordance with the statutory rules.
What if a tenant voluntarily offers more than one month's rent upfront?
The restriction applies to what landlords can require or accept. Even if a tenant offers more than one month's rent voluntarily, accepting it may still breach the rules. Landlords should not accept advance payments above one month's rent from 1 May 2026.
Does the bidding ban apply to renewals and rent increases?
The bidding ban applies to the initial letting of a property. Rent increases during an existing tenancy must follow the statutory Section 13 process and can only be made once per year.
What are the penalties for breaching the bidding ban?
Breaching the advertising and bidding rules can result in enforcement action by local authorities and financial penalties. Landlords and agents should ensure compliance from 1 May 2026.
Book a Rental Valuation
Tell us about your property and we will explain how our managed service handles the new advertising and payment rules.
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