University students could quit tenancies early under Renters’ Rights Act
4 months ago | 8 comments
Minister defends Renters’ Rights Act reforms for student rental market
12:01 AM, 22nd July 2026, 3 weeks ago
8
The government has claimed it engaged with the student sector while developing the Renters’ Rights Act, despite industry experts warning the reforms could leave students worse off.
In a written parliamentary answer, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook said the legislation was developed following “extensive” engagement with the sector.
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, all fixed-term tenancies are abolished, which particularly impacts the student rental market.
Engaged extensively with the student rental market
Labour MP Jayne Kirkham asked the government: “What assessment have they made of the potential impact of the change in the Renters’ Rights Act from fixed-term tenancies to rolling, periodic tenancies on student HMO landlords.
In response, Mr Pennycook said: “My Department engaged extensively with the student sector when developing the Renters’ Rights Act and its Impact Assessment received a green rating from the Regulatory Policy Committee (RPC).
“We continue to monitor trends across the private rented sector and are conducting a robust evaluation of the impact of the act. Evaluation reports will be published two and five years after implementation.”
More mixed picture
However, as previously reported by Property118, a closer look at the Regulatory Policy Committee’s (RPC) assessment reveals a more mixed picture. While the Renters’ Rights Act was rated overall as “fit for purpose,” several sections, including those on wider impacts and the cost-benefit analysis, were given only a “weak” rating.
In its report, the RPC criticised the government for failing to properly consider the costs the bill will impose on landlords.
It warned: “The impact assessment has not adequately considered the potential costs, as well as impact upon the quality of private rental housing, of making the PRS market more illiquid.
“For example, if landlords are less able to evict tenants (as a result of the abolishment of section 21 evictions), as well as less able to invest in the quality of the property to compete in the market and attract higher rents, then it is likely that these landlords would only invest to the minimum regulatory standard and quality of the rental housing stock could fall, which must be considered alongside the growing need for new, in particular affordable, housing.”
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Member Since January 2026 - Comments: 6
10:43 AM, 22nd July 2026, About 3 weeks ago
Sounds to me like mr pennycock is telling porkies. I don’t believe they ever did any analysis on the impacts of his government’s actions.
Member Since September 2015 - Comments: 1035
11:29 AM, 22nd July 2026, About 3 weeks ago
They engaged and then ignored as they do for most consultations (except where it supports the Government’s position).
Member Since February 2016 - Comments: 983 - Articles: 1
11:32 AM, 22nd July 2026, About 3 weeks ago
Students now can give a notice on 1 Apriland leave on 30 May. The new lot will come not earlier than 1 September (sometimes mid August maybe). It is impossible to have a 3 months void every year. And we xannot rent for a month or 2. The areas is not suitable for Airbnb.
I will be interested to know what other student landlords do? Thank you in advance for the collective wisdom of this community.
Member Since September 2015 - Comments: 1035
2:35 PM, 22nd July 2026, About 3 weeks ago
Most students are not fully aware of when they can serve notice, So I get in early first of all with the required pre-notice prior to the tenancy beginning then the required 4 month notice served at the end of February (for a termination at the end of June). This sets the scene but it doesn’t stop the students ternminating early, but as I use joint tenancies all the students in a property must be happy to terminate and vacate. I’m not having any major issues signing up students for the new academic year commencing 1st August.
Member Since April 2026 - Comments: 1
2:48 PM, 22nd July 2026, About 3 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Whiteskifreak Surrey at 22/07/2026 – 11:32
Start tenancy agreements in the 1st of August instead of September and increase rent by 10% . Basically , this is what happened in Scotland. All my tenancies for this academic year to start 1st of August. Had no problem filling the houses .
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2285 - Articles: 2
4:08 PM, 22nd July 2026, About 3 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Eoin Deane at 22/07/2026 – 10:43
Politicians never lie, they tell “Terminological Inexactitudes” (Winston Churchill 1906) or “Misappropriation of reality” (John Major 2021).
Member Since June 2019 - Comments: 916
5:05 PM, 22nd July 2026, About 3 weeks ago
I am not sure that the NRLA actually argued for exemptions other than for the PBSA lot, it is entirely illogical to treat students differently depending on the accommodation type – once again big money talks and is listened to stuff the little guys and gals
Member Since January 2016 - Comments: 247
6:45 PM, 22nd July 2026, About 3 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Whiteskifreak Surrey at 22/07/2026 – 11:32
Increase the rents for the first 8 months by 30% and then offer the final 3 months on a short term let at £10 per month