Student landlords reassured by government over tenancy changes

The government has moved to reassure student landlords, confirming that HMO landlords will still be able to facilitate the “ongoing yearly cycle of short-term student tenancies”.

In a written Parliamentary question, Conservative MP Gregory Stafford asked about “the potential impact of the abolition of Assured Shorthold Tenancies on university students in cases where previous fixed-term tenancies were due to end within two months of the date of abolition”.

The news comes as university students could quit tenancies early under the Renters’ Rights Act.

Transitional arrangements for landlords

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook said: “From 1 May 2026, the new tenancy system provided for by the Renters’ Rights Act applies to all private tenancies.

“As such, all tenancies are now periodic and it will no longer be possible to agree a fixed rental term or create a tenancy with an end date or break clause, and any existing terms of these types no longer apply.

“Students renting private accommodation, like other tenants, will be able to stay in their home until they decide to end the tenancy by giving two months’ notice. Landlords will be able to end the tenancy using a possession ground if they have a valid reason.”

He adds: “The act introduces new mandatory ground 4A which will allow landlords renting HMOs to full-time students who occupy on either joint or individual tenancy agreements to seek possession ahead of each new academic year, facilitating the ongoing yearly cycle of short-term student tenancies.

“My Department introduced transitional arrangements for landlords seeking to end student tenancies at the end of the 2025/26 academic year. To do so landlords must serve a possession notice between 1 May and 30 July 2026 and provide at least 2 months’ notice.”

Student landlords to raise rents

The news comes as student landlords might have to raise rents to cover a loss of income, as university students could head home six months early under the Renters’ Rights Act.

The Times reports that many university students who study humanities have no lectures in the summer term, and that the period between April and June is used for revision, exams and submitting final essays.

Chris Norris, chief policy officer at the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), explains to The Times: “Depending on the course you’re on, or your circumstances, a student might choose to walk away really quite early in the agreement.

“Some students might be looking at their timetable and thinking, ‘Well, I could be done in six months.’ But they will also have to balance that with at what point they want to move back in with their mum and dad, and how much they enjoy the social side of student life.”