What this means for student renters

If you’ve heard about the government’s plans to end ‘no-fault evictions’ or major changes in renting, you’re right -the Renters’ Rights Bill will likely be in effect by the next academic year. Though we don’t know the exact start date or final details, we have a solid idea of what’s coming. These changes could impact how renting works for you next year, so here’s what to expect.

No Changes to University or PBSA Accommodation

If you’re renting from the university or an accredited student accommodation provider (also called Purpose-Built Student Accommodation, or PBSA), these changes won’t affect you. They only apply to privately rented houses or flats from individual landlords or agencies. If you’re interested, here’s a list of accredited PBSA providers locally.

Key Changes to Private Renting

1. No More Rent Bidding Wars

Landlords and letting agencies will no longer be allowed to invite or accept rent offers above the listed price. This means they can’t encourage higher offers to compete for a place. Even if you’re eager and willing to pay a bit more, they won’t be able to accept it.

While this is good news, it might have some side effects. Landlords may increase initial asking prices instead. If they don’t get the interest they expected, prices might lower—or they might become more open to negotiation. Time will tell!

2. Monthly Rent Payments—No Upfront or Installment Options

Landlords will no longer be able to ask for installment or upfront rent payments, which means everyone will pay monthly. For international students who previously paid up front instead of having a UK-based guarantor, this may be an adjustment.

If you need a guarantor and don’t have one in the UK, there are companies that provide this service (though they do charge a fee). More information here.

3. No Fixed End Dates—Remember to Give Notice!

This change is a big one: no more end dates on rental contracts. Here’s what this means for you:

Remember to Give Notice: In the past, many student contracts ended with the academic term, but with this change, you’ll need to formally notify your landlord if you plan to leave. Notice is usually two months, so if you want to be out by June, you’ll need to tell them by April.

No More Paying Rent Over Summer (if You Don’t Want To): Since you’re not locked into a fixed term, you and your housemates can all move out at the end of the academic year if you give notice. Just make sure everyone in a joint tenancy is on the same page, as notifying the landlord ends the agreement for all tenants. You don’t want to accidentally leave a housemate without a place to stay!

4. New Contracts During the Transition

Most students secure next year’s accommodation over the winter or spring, which means you might sign a contract before the Renters’ Rights Bill is officially in effect. If that’s the case, expect to be contacted by your landlord or agent to sign an updated contract once the new rules kick in.

Other Changes

The Renters’ Rights Bill brings the biggest changes to renting since the 1980s, and it covers a lot more than student rentals. Here are some other highlights:

• A new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman to address issues fairly
• The Decent Homes Standard, setting clearer quality requirements for rental homes
• ‘Awaab’s Law’ to ensure timely fixes for hazards
• Greater power to challenge rent increases

ResLife Support

Our ResLife team will stay on top of these changes, and we’ll be here to help if you have questions, need advice, or want someone to look over a contract. Stay tuned for more updates as the Renters’ Rights Bill develops!