## Changes in Student Tenancies Under the Renters’ Rights Act

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is set to alter the rental landscape for independent students, defined by Student Finance England as those over 25, living away from parents, and financially self-supporting for at least three years. Many of these students rely on fixed-term tenancies in shared student accommodation, typically available from September to June. The Act introduces a new mandatory ground allowing landlords of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) to regain possession ahead of each academic year, potentially limiting tenancy availability during the summer months.

## Government Response and Landlord-Student Communication

Labour MP Nadia Whittome raised concerns about the impact of the Act on independent students needing accommodation between June and September. Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook responded that no formal assessment has been made by the government regarding this issue. He emphasised that students wishing to remain in their accommodation over the summer should discuss arrangements directly with their landlords. This places the onus on landlords and tenants to negotiate summer stays, which may not always be straightforward given the typical academic tenancy cycle.

## Implications for the Annual Student Housing Cycle

A critical issue highlighted by the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) concerns the timing of possession notices under the Act. Landlords using Ground 4A to regain possession of HMOs must provide a four-month notice period, meaning they cannot take back properties until the first week of September. This delay creates a gap in the tenancy cycle, as incoming students’ tenancies generally start on 1st September. Consequently, landlords may be unable to prepare or re-let properties in time for new arrivals, potentially reducing available student housing.

Ben Beadle, chief executive of the NRLA, warned that this failure to protect the annual cycle of student housing risks shutting people out of higher education and complicates housing planning for students. He also noted the wider impact on universities, many of which face financial challenges and rely on stable student accommodation markets.

## What This Means for Landlords and Letting Agents

Landlords managing student HMOs should be aware of the extended notice periods and the potential for tenancy gaps during summer months. Proactive communication with student tenants about summer occupancy intentions is essential to avoid void periods. Letting agents may need to adjust tenancy agreements or marketing strategies to accommodate the new legal framework and its effect on the timing of student move-ins and move-outs.

The Act’s provisions mean that while landlords can regain possession ahead of the academic year, they must navigate the complexities of the four-month notice period and the summer housing demand. This may require more flexible tenancy arrangements or negotiations to maintain occupancy and income continuity.

## Conclusion

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces significant changes to the student housing tenancy cycle, particularly affecting independent students and landlords of HMOs. Without careful management and communication, these changes risk creating housing uncertainty and gaps in availability during critical summer months. UK landlords and agents should prepare for these challenges by reviewing tenancy terms and engaging with student tenants early.

Suggested internal link anchors
– Renters’ Rights Act 2025
– Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
– student housing tenancy cycle
– fixed-term tenancies
– National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA)
– tenancy notice periods
– student accommodation market
– landlord-tenant communication
– private rented sector
– academic year tenancy agreements

TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/