Tenant fees

Clear, fair &
transparent fees.

At Sears, we believe in complete transparency when it comes to renting your next home. All our tenant fees are compliant with the Tenant Fees Act 2019, meaning you’ll never face hidden or unexpected charges.

Our aim is to make renting in Bracknell, Wokingham and across Berkshire simple, affordable and stress-free from start to finish.

Below is a guide to the costs you can expect when renting a property through Sears.

  • Tenant Fees Act 2019
  • TPO member
  • Client Money Protection
  • Deposits in TDS
01

Permitted payments

Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords and agents are only allowed to charge tenants for specific, government-approved costs. These include:

  • 01.1

    Rent

    The amount agreed in your tenancy agreement, paid in advance and usually monthly.

    As agreed in tenancy
  • 01.2

    Tenancy deposit

    A refundable deposit, capped at five weeks’ rent (where annual rent is under £50,000) or six weeks’ rent (where annual rent exceeds £50,000). All deposits are protected in an approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).

    5–6 weeks’ rent
  • 01.3

    Holding deposit

    Equal to one weeks' rent. This is to reserve a property and if the tenancy proceeds, will be deducted from the first months' rent. Please note - this will be withheld if any relevant person (including any guarantor(s)) withdraw from the tenancy, fail a Right to Rent check, provide materially significant false or misleading information, or fail to sign their tenancy agreement (and/or Deed of Guarantor) within 15 calendar days (or other deadline for agreement as mutually agreed in writing).

    1 week’s rent
02

Default fees (if applicable)

These fees only apply in specific circumstances and are strictly limited by law:

  • 02.1

    Late rent payment

    Charged on rent that is 14 or more days overdue.

    3% above BoE base rate
  • 02.2

    Lost keys or access devices

    Charged at the actual cost of replacing lost keys or access devices.

    Actual replacement cost
  • 02.3

    Changes to tenancy

    If you request an amendment to the tenancy agreement (such as adding or removing a tenant), a £50 (inc. VAT) charge applies to cover administrative costs.

    £50 inc. VAT
03

Additional information

  • 03.1

    Utilities & bills

    Utilities, council tax, broadband and TV licence are the tenant’s responsibility unless otherwise stated in the tenancy agreement.

  • 03.2

    Deposit return

    All deposits are held securely and returned promptly at the end of the tenancy, subject to property inspection and any agreed deductions.

  • 03.3

    Membership & protection

    Sears is a member of The Property Ombudsman (TPO) and offers full client money protection for your peace of mind.

04

Supporting you throughout your tenancy

From move-in to move-out, our lettings team in Bracknell and Wokingham provides ongoing support, whether that’s maintenance queries, renewals, or deposit advice. Our goal is to ensure you feel informed and confident at every stage.

Questions about fees?

Our lettings team in Bracknell & Wokingham is happy to talk you through anything before you apply.

Real words, real reviews

What our clients say about us

4.9/5 Customer rating

Rating

Sears we're great at booking in plenty of views for my house. Regular contact with feedback about the possible buyer and feedback following the view. Some support with negotiation and chasing up the person who made the offer too. Kept me updated as well. Cameron was our point of contact through most the process and was really helpful.

Sarah Jackman

My experience with Sears was very pleasant stress free, viewings was booked with ease and all questions I had was answered, Cameron Wakefield made my experience delightful and stress free would highly recommend! I would use Sears and hopefully Cameron again in the future!

Lewis Bailey

I have just come out of a difficult divorce and was looking to purchase a house for myself and my children. The thought of viewing properties on my own was a bit daunting for me. I first made contact with Sears Estate agents in Wokingham a few months ago and viewed two properties that they were marketing. I met Poppy at both viewings, she was warm, friendly, and professional as well as being very knowledgeable about the properties. Unfortunately, I did not have a buyer for my property so was unable to put in an offer or purchase with Sears. However, I was very impressed that Poppy and her colleague Amy, acknowledged my property search and contacted me recently about another suitable property, before it was marketed live on websites. They were very efficient in arranging a viewing for me promptly. I was met at the property by Alison, who was again, very warm, friendly, welcoming, patient and open to questions. After the viewing, I went to Sears estate agents office in Wokingham town centre, where I was met in a friendly manner and offered a hot drink, which was a nice touch. Poppy assisted me with the administration involved in putting an offer forward, as I had unfortunately left my glasses in my car! She was very helpful and patient and explained how the process of putting the offer forward to the vendor worked. I was very impressed with the office layout, clean lines, modern decor and comfortable chairs. I would like to mention that I was very impressed with my experience with Sears, Wokingham, the staff are excellent role models and ambassadors for Sears, keep up the good work. Allison Radcliffe 😀

Allison

Had the pleasure of being shown around by Aimee from the Wokingham office at a property answered all of my questions and was very helpful and knowledgeable of the house and local area

Robert Cox

I've used Sears for the last 15yrs and my go to is Rob, always efficient, excellent communication and always manages the process quickly. Highly recommended.

Mike Hart

Very professional service received by all parties from marketing to arranging viewings perfect team no question one of the best Estate Agents in the area highly recommend have used these agents several times whilst moving house and never had any issues five star first class

Andrew Bolton

All the team of property management are very good and professional, Thanks Jake Tippett for your help with sorting out the issue with the previous tenant, I really appreciate it and thanks to the all team.

Baljit Dhamija

We had a great experience with Sears Estate agents when buying our house in Wokingham. Hollie was a great help, patiently showing us around pretty much all of the properties they had listed and helping us figure out exactly what we wanted before we found the one we bought. Additionally, Matt the Sears Progressor was very effective in moving the chain forward and ensuring everything went as smoothly as buying a house can be. Overall, a really positive experience!

Sam Birkbeck

I had a great experience dealing with Keira Taylor at Sears Property in Wokingham. She was incredibly professional and helpful. Thank you!

V B

We recently moved into our new rented home and had a great experience with Sears Services. Our agent, Andrew, was extremely helpful and responsive. Whenever we had questions about paperwork or the property, he answered quickly and clearly. Andrew made the whole process smooth and stress-free. We are very happy with the service and highly recommend Sears Services!

Arya Yasodharan