Record an upfront payment request
For private renters in England. Record only what you know; mark missing information as unknown. These worksheets organize facts for advice and do not decide your legal rights.
Worksheet updated: 2026-09-14 (not a legal review date)
Source: https://www.getrentersrights.com/rent-in-advance-ban/

Separate the payment categories and keep the original request. A label alone does not establish whether a payment is permitted; use the guide and ask for advice about unclear requests.

1. Save the advert and the written payment request. Record who requested payment, the amount and when they say it must be paid.
Notes: ________________________________________

2. Record the exact description used: rent in advance, holding deposit, tenancy deposit, fee, or something else. Ask for an itemised explanation if amounts are combined.
Notes: ________________________________________

3. Keep the tenancy agreement and record whether and when it was signed. Mark any missing date as unknown.
Notes: ________________________________________

4. Record the rental period the requested amount is intended to cover, the proposed start date and whether you have already paid.
Notes: ________________________________________

5. Keep receipts and messages. Before sharing with an adviser, separate bank details and unrelated personal information from the relevant facts.
Notes: ________________________________________


Keep the completed document privately. Nothing entered into this downloaded file is sent to Get Renters Rights.