Landlords in Shepton Mallet should ensure that they are aware of the full implications of the Tenant Fees Act 2019 which came into force on Saturday 1st June, advises Stuart Nash, owner of Stuarts Residential, a Somerset-based letting agency specialising in the management of landlords' properties.

He said: "The Tenant Fees Act is one of the biggest changes in legislation for 30 years and both landlords and tenants will need to fully understand what this means for them."

The Act prohibits landlords or letting agents from charging tenants fees when they wish to rent a property from them.

Tenancy deposits are also now limited to five weeks of rent (for rents up to £50,000 per year and six weeks over this amount).

Other prohibited actions include requiring a tenant to contract to a third-party service provider.

The Government hopes that the Act will make the process of renting a property easier and less expensive for tenants.

Tenant groups welcome the legislation and hope that its introduction will save tenants an average of £272 when they move into a new property.

Some industry experts have expressed their concern that the need for referencing a tenant remains an initial requirement, and that either tenants will have to provide sufficient information themselves before a landlord considers their application to rent, or that while some landlords may absorb that initial cost, it could be passed on through an increase in the rent.

Stuart said: "While we welcome Government intervention to make the private rented sector a more controlled environment, we remain concerned by the unintended consequences of this Act, as landlords and tenants get to grips with the obligations that are placed on them.

"As an accredited letting agent we are conversant with the Act so any landlords wanting further information can contact us on 01749 672678 or [email protected]."