Looming ban on ‘rent in advance’

Published: 25/06/2025 By Jamie Goodwin

With the Renters’ Rights Bill expected to become law in late 2025, UK landlords must prepare for significant regulatory changes—especially the prohibition of collecting rent in advance. Under the new rules, landlords and letting agents will no longer be able to request or accept more than one month’s rent upfront once a tenancy is signed. Designed to make renting more accessible, the bill amends the Tenant Fees Act 2019 and Housing Act 1988, effectively removing the financial safeguards many landlords have relied on.
As a result, landlords will need to shift their focus toward stronger tenant screening and more reliable income assurance methods.

One of the most effective solutions emerging in response is the use of a professional rent guarantor service. Companies like Rent Guarantor are seeing record demand as landlords look for new ways to protect rental income and minimize risk. These services, which are often underwritten for added security, step in if a tenant fails to pay, offering peace of mind without breaching the upcoming legislation. Landlords benefit from increased stability and can access a wider pool of qualified tenants—including students and working individuals who lack a UK-based guarantor.
As the UK rental landscape evolves, adopting a guarantor for landlords could become a key strategy in maintaining reliable tenancies under the new legal framework.