Renters’ Rights Act: Students to lose out under new reforms

Reforms to student housing risk restricting access to higher education and will make it harder for students to find homes.

We have issued the warning in conjunction with student housing platform Accommodation for Students, UniHomes, and the Young Group as the Renters’ Rights Act approaches the first phase of implementation.

We are arguing the timetable for change means student landlords will be unable to guarantee available homes for the next cohort of student tenants (in the next academic year) which not only disrupts the student housing cycle, but also means that landlords cannot guarantee that their properties will be empty for new students to move in.

How will the new dates impact student landlords? 

The implementation date for the Renters’ Rights Act has been confirmed as 1st May.

This means that HMO student landlords who use the student possession ground (Ground 4A) shortly after this will not be able to take back possession of their property until the first week of September, due to the four-month notice period required under Ground 4A. 

This leaves a gap in which landlords cannot gain possession of their properties in time for August 2026, which is too late for incoming students, whose tenancies are set to start on 1st September.  

What does this mean in practice?

This will undoubtedly worsen the existing crisis in student accommodation, with access to housing already a key concern for students, with research by Knight Frank suggesting 65% of university applicants say accommodation availability influences where they choose to study.  

Many popular university towns and cities are already struggling to house their existing student populations, with a number declaring housing emergencies in recent years.

Without change, we fear students will be left making major decisions on their futures based on where they can find a home, rather than where they want to study. 

Ben Beadle NRLA chief executive said: “The Government has put opportunity and aspiration at risk with this decision. The failure to protect the annual cycle of all student housing will shut people out of higher education and make it harder for others to plan where they will live.  

“Limiting access to accommodation doesn’t just affect students. It will be of particular concern to many universities already facing difficult financial futures.” 

More information

• We are hosting a webinar looking at the Renters' Rights Act in relation to student lettings on January 7th. The event, sponsored by RentGuarantor will look at what you need to do to prepare and how to stay compliant and will include a live Q&A. For more information, and to book, click here.

• To visit our Renters’ Rights Hub, packed with information and resources to help you manage the transition click here. 

• The NRLA’s award-winning training academy runs a comprehensive Renters' Rights Act training offer. Click here to book your place.