Can my landlord make me pay three months' rent in advance?

In England, no — not anymore. Since May 1, 2026, Section 9 of the Renters' Rights Act 2025 caps advance rent at one month for new assured tenancies. Before that date, three, six, or even twelve months' rent upfront was common practice, especially for students, international tenants, or anyone without a UK credit history. That practice is now prohibited outright for tenancies signed on or after the cutoff — the cap applies no matter why the landlord wants more, and even if a tenant offers a larger sum voluntarily. In the US, there's no federal equivalent; the picture depends entirely on which state you're renting in.

What the law says

Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland run separate legal regimes from England and aren't covered by this specific cap — worth checking the equivalent rules for those nations separately if that's where the property is.

Where this actually goes wrong

A landlord still asking for multiple months upfront on a new tenancy

For any assured tenancy signed on or after May 1, 2026 in England, this is now a straightforward breach of the cap — not a gray area or a matter of negotiation.

Rent requested before the tenancy agreement is even signed

This is prohibited outright under the same provision, regardless of the amount — even one month's rent can't legally be requested or accepted before all parties have signed.

A lease clause written to require more than one month

Any such clause in a tenancy agreement signed on or after the cutoff date simply has no legal effect — it doesn't matter that it's written into the contract, since the statutory cap overrides it.

What to say

If asked for more than one month's rent in advance on a new tenancy:

"Under Section 9 of the Renters' Rights Act 2025, landlords can't require more than one month's rent in advance for a tenancy signed after May 1, 2026. Can we adjust the request to comply with this?"

If rent is being requested before the agreement is signed:

"I understand rent can't legally be requested before the tenancy agreement is signed by both parties. Can we finalize the signed agreement first?"

If it isn't resolved

1. Put your objection in writing, citing Section 9 of the Renters' Rights Act 2025 by name.
2. If you've already paid an excess amount, you're entitled to have it repaid — request this in writing with a clear deadline.
3. Report a non-compliant landlord to your local council's private rented sector enforcement team, who can issue the civil penalty.
4. For US tenancies, check your specific state's landlord-tenant statute, since there's no single federal standard to cite.

Related questions

• Can my landlord enter my home without telling me?
• Can my landlord keep my deposit because I didn't repaint the walls?
• Can my landlord refuse to give me a receipt for rent?

Official sources

• Renters' Rights Act 2025
• Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government — Guidance on Rent Payments and Deposits