Holding deposit: one week's rent at most
A holding deposit to reserve a home can be at most one week's rent. The landlord can hold it for 15 days unless you agree a different period in writing. If they return it, it must come back within 7 days (or go towards your first rent or deposit if you agree). If they keep it, they must tell you why in writing within 7 days. They can only keep it if you gave false information, changed your mind, didn't respond, or failed a Right to Rent check.
Source: GOV.UK: Tenant Fees Act 2019 guidance for tenants. Checked 18/10/2026.
Check your contract against this
Legal information, not legal advice. For your own situation, Shelter (england.shelter.org.uk) and Citizens Advice (citizensadvice.org.uk) give free advice.