Navigating rental life can be stressful, especially when facing disputes over unexpected fees. If you’re looking for advice for tenants facing unfair landlord charge threats, you’re not alone. Knowing your rights and how to respond calmly but firmly can make all the difference.
If you’re unsure where to turn, The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS) should be your first point of contact. Whether you’re in England, Scotland, or Wales, TPS offers expert support tailored to tenants facing legal pressure from landlords.
Your Rights and Advice for Tenants Facing Unfair Landlord Charge Threats
Landlords in England are legally required to follow certain procedures before demanding charges. Whether it’s for damages, cleaning, or unpaid rent, tenants have protections under the law. Charges must be reasonable, provable, and, in many cases, clearly detailed in your tenancy agreement. If they’re not, you may not have to pay.
These protections come mainly from the Tenant Fees Act 2019 and the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. In simple terms, landlords cannot charge you for anything they can’t justify. For example, they can’t issue a random fee at the end of your tenancy without proper evidence or deductions from your deposit without following the correct process.
Common Scenarios and When to Question Charges
Unfair charges often show up during or after your tenancy ends. You might face:
- Claims for exaggerated property damage
- Cleaning charges for a professionally cleaned flat
- Late rent penalties not listed in your agreement
- Unexpected admin or exit fees
In many of these situations, tenants either pay immediately out of fear of legal trouble or lose hope after a few confusing conversations. Acting quickly and understanding your rights can help stop the situation from escalating.
Advice For Tenants Facing Unfair Landlord Charge Threats: Step-by-Step Guide
- Don’t ignore the issue. Delaying allows charges to build and reduces your chances of a fair outcome.
- Review your tenancy agreement. It’s often the first and most important place to find out what charges are actually allowed.
- Ask for written clarification. Request a detailed breakdown of the charge with evidence, such as photos, invoices, or time-stamped records.
- Gather your own evidence. Look for emails, pictures from your move-out inspection, and even dated messages to show your side of the story.
- Dispute the charge in writing. Respond calmly but firmly, stating why you believe the charge is unfair using any evidence you’ve collected.
- Contact your deposit protection scheme if the charge involves a deduction. Formal dispute resolution services are available through schemes like TDS, DPS, or MyDeposits.
- Reach out for legal support if the issue continues. Don’t wait until court threats arrive to speak to a professional. The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS) offers fast access to solicitor-backed legal advice specifically for tenants.
The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS) is a 24/7 tenant legal helpline offering affordable, solicitor-backed help for eviction defence, disrepair, harassment, rent arrears, deposit disputes, and on-the-day court support across the UK. Membership is £10/month. Learn more at The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS).
Why Timelines Matter When Disputing Charges
Time is more important than many tenants realise. For example, if your deposit was held in a government-backed scheme, you typically have up to three months after the end date of your tenancy to challenge any deductions. Waiting too long may limit your options.
Also, if the landlord sends you notice of a charge, responding quickly in writing sets a paper trail and reduces misunderstandings. A calm, documented response often leads to a quicker resolution compared to verbal arguments or avoiding contact.
Protect Yourself From Future Disputes
While not every charge is avoidable, there are steps you can take to lower your risk:
- Photograph the property on move-in and move-out days
- Communicate in writing with your landlord, particularly about repairs and notices
- Clean before leaving and document it with time-stamped images
- Insist on an in-person inspection before moving out, and attend it if possible
These steps not only protect you, they also show that you’ve acted responsibly, which strengthens your position in any dispute.
Know When to Escalate the Complaint
If your landlord won’t back down and refuses to provide proof or follow the correct procedures, it may be time to escalate. You can file a complaint with your local council’s tenancy relations officer. Or, for deposit disputes, go through your scheme’s resolution service. In more complex cases, you may require legal advice.
Importantly, make sure any correspondence with your landlord remains polite and factual. Avoid emotional discussions, as these can weaken your argument if used as evidence later.
Facing unfair charges can feel overwhelming, but you have genuine legal protections. It all starts with staying calm, getting informed, and taking control of the situation with confidence.
Call The Tenant Protection Scheme today on 0330 633 0299. Don’t wait until it’s too late – start your protection now. For just a small monthly cost, you get direct legal support from experts, with your membership active within 24 hours. Call us now to start your protection today.
Call Us Anytime on 0330 633 0299 or visit www.thetps.org for immediate advice.