Renters’ Rights Act raises uncertainty for student accommodation

The student rental market will change dramatically under the Renters’ Rights Act as student landlords are urged to prepare.

Owen Dixon, founder of Best Student Halls, warns that students could face uncertainty in securing accommodation, with less certainty around tenancy timing and availability.

As previously reported on Property118, industry experts have warned the Renters’ Rights Act could leave students worse off.

Students want certainty

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, renters will be able to end their tenancy at two months’ notice and fixed-term tenancies will be abolished.

Mr Dixon warns that both students and landlords want certainty, and that the changes could mean that tenancies which would previously have ended automatically in June will now depend on the new notice requirements and possession grounds.

He said: “Students want certainty that they will have accommodation secured for the full academic year, and providers need confidence they can legally regain possession in time to prepare properties for incoming cohorts.”

“For example, a student tenancy that would previously have ended in June will now rely on appropriate notice being given and the use of the relevant possession grounds under the new system. While the framework is designed to preserve academic-cycle turnover, any delays in the process could create pressure on turnaround times ahead of the September intake.”

Student landlords need to plan more carefully

Mr Dixon adds that, while there is support for stronger tenant protections, student landlords will need to plan more carefully.

He said: “From a landlord’s perspective, the removal of Section 21 means relying more heavily on defined statutory grounds to regain possession. That creates a fairer and more transparent system overall, but it also requires more planning and may increase administrative complexity, particularly during peak turnover periods.”

Mr Dixon also predicts that purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) will take on a larger role, as it will still be able to offer fixed-term tenancies, unlike private rented homes.

He said: “The student accommodation market is expected to adapt, with purpose-built student accommodation and some larger operators likely to structure their offer around the academic year, supported by the possession of grounds available for student lets.

“As a result, we may see a clearer distinction between providers who can offer structured academic-year certainty and those operating more flexible periodic arrangements, which may require more active management of timing.”