Many tenancy agreements are reused templates. That is efficient for agents, but risky for renters. Out of date terms can try to charge banned fees, reduce privacy, or shift landlord repair duties onto tenants.
Illegal fees: Charges banned under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, like admin, reference, check out or cleaning fees.
Unfair terms: One sided rights or penalties that may be unfair under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and CMA guidance.
Deposit risks: Deposit caps, deposit protection signals, and clauses that overreach on deductions.
Out of date clauses: Terms that look designed for the old system and may need updating for the Renters' Rights Act reforms.
You get topic grouping, risk tags, and a clear summary so you can negotiate before you sign.
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, contract terms must be fair and transparent. If a tenancy term creates a significant imbalance to your detriment, it may not be binding. Tenancy wording does not override statutory rights.
If only the landlord can end early, that can be an unfair term. Break clauses should not be drafted as a one way exit.
Blanket bans on pets or visitors without a clear and fair reason can be challenged. Reasonableness matters.
Broad penalty clauses, vague admin charges, or automatic fee clauses are common red flags.
For England, we check common Assured Shorthold Tenancy style agreements for Tenant Fees Act compliance, repair traps, entry clauses, rent increase mechanics, and transition risks for the upcoming tenancy reforms.
If annual rent is under £50,000, tenancy deposits are capped at 5 weeks' rent in England. Many agreements still include banned charges like reference fees, admin fees, check out fees or cleaning fees.
Landlords must protect deposits and provide key information within strict deadlines. The scan highlights deposit clauses and missing process terms so you know what to ask for before you pay.
Common traps in maintenance and access wording
In many periodic tenancies, landlords can use the statutory Section 13 process to propose a rent increase, typically no more than once every 52 weeks. Government guidance on the Renters' Rights Act says private rent increases will move onto the statutory route for the sector once commenced.
The scan links each flagged area back to the clause text so you can negotiate with receipts.
Government guidance says the Act will abolish Section 21 and move to a periodic tenancy structure for private renting in England once the tenancy reforms are commenced. Not all measures are in force yet. Many agreements being used in early 2026 still contain old clauses.
The direction of travel is to end no fault evictions for the sector and rely on defined grounds instead.
Fixed term wording may become less important once the new tenancy structure applies. Contracts still need clean notice and rent clauses.
Guidance says rent increases will be made via the statutory Section 13 process once the reforms are in force, with a tribunal route for disputes.
Official guidance: Guide to the Renters' Rights Act
If you want a quick manual check before you scan, start here.
It depends on your tenancy. During a fixed term, rent usually only changes if there is a rent review clause or you agree. In a periodic tenancy, landlords can typically use a Section 13 notice no more than once every 52 weeks, using the prescribed form and proper notice. The Renters' Rights Act reforms (implementation starting May 2026) are expected to move private rent increases onto the Section 13 process for the sector, with a tribunal route for challenging above market increases.
No. Many tenancies have fixed terms without break clauses. If a break clause exists, it should be fair and usable by both sides in comparable ways. A one sided break clause can be an unfair term under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
No. In England, the Tenant Fees Act 2019 banned charging tenants mandatory professional cleaning fees. You must return the property in a reasonable domestic standard and in the condition required by the contract, allowing for fair wear and tear.
If your annual rent is under £50,000, the tenancy deposit is capped at 5 weeks' rent in England. If the deposit is above the cap, it may be an unlawful fee. The scan calculates the cap and flags any mismatch so you can ask for a correction before you pay.
No. Tenants have a right to quiet enjoyment. For routine inspections or repairs, entry should be agreed and notice should be given. For repairs, landlords generally need at least 24 hours' notice and a reasonable time of day unless there is an emergency.
Usually not. In England, landlords have statutory repair duties for the structure and key installations. Clauses that try to shift those duties onto tenants can be unfair or invalid. The scan flags repair and maintenance clauses that look one sided or overly broad.
Government guidance says the reforms will abolish Section 21 and move to a simpler periodic tenancy structure, plus adjust how rent increases and possession work. Not all measures are in force yet. Our page and scan highlight clauses that may be out of date for the new system.
No. Vordex provides automated information to help you spot risks and ask better questions. For high stakes disputes or complex circumstances, get advice from a qualified professional.
For Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, use the switcher at the top. Rules differ.
Vordex provides automated information and does not provide legal advice.
Basic is enough for most standard tenancies. Complex is best when the document is messy, custom, or high risk.
Best for standard AST style agreements
Best for guarantors, HMOs, or custom landlord templates
Do not let a bad clause cost you thousands later.
