The significant majority of students are unaware of the Renters Rights Bill – even though it is likely to become law within days.
In its current form, the Bill will bring fixed-term tenancies to an end, potentially disrupting the traditional student rental cycle. Other major changes contained include the introduction of a two-month notice period for tenants to serve notice to leave, changes in how and when students pay rent, and extended notice periods for rental arrears.
In anticipation of these changes, StuRents surveyed over 1,000 students searching for accommodation to assess their awareness of the upcoming legislation, as well as their current challenges and concerns. The results showed that 68.6% of respondents had never heard of the bill.
When asked about their main concern in securing accommodation for the next academic year, 30.4% of surveyed students said they were worried about high competition for quality properties close to campus. On the other hand, nearly a quarter of students (23.9%) expressed their concern about being locked into contracts that they couldn’t change, while one in five (18.4%) highlighted the burden of affording upfront payments and deposits as a significant worry.
When asked what would make the biggest difference to their student housing experience, 39% of the surveyed students stated that they would like flexible payment options; either monthly, termly or upfront. Ending tenancies with just two months’ notice (35.8%) and securing accommodation without the need for a UK-based guarantor (28.9%) ranked as the second- and third-highest priorities for students, followed closely by stronger protections against poor property conditions.
According to StuRents’ data, only 32.6% of students currently pay rent in monthly instalments. All other students (67.4%) currently pay either in termly instalments or the full tenancy upfront as many student property managers only offer these options.
The new legislation will cap holding deposits at one month’s rent, preventing landlords from requiring large upfront payments. Tenants may still choose to pay in advance, but landlords must refund any rent covering more than the two-month notice period. This will allow a level of flexibility in rent payments for students.
Although there are some mismatches between the Bill and students’ specific needs and concerns, StuRents claims that the proposed changes could benefit student renters. For example, tenants will have the right to serve two months’ notice under periodic tenancies, giving students greater flexibility to end their agreements. Stricter rent controls and a ban on bidding wars are also expected to reduce competitive overbidding in the student market and help limit excessive rent increases.
Additionally, the Bill aims to raise living standards across the sector, addressing a key concern for 28.3% of respondents who cited poor property conditions, potentially giving students access to a wider selection of well-maintained homes.
While students could face increased difficulties with securing guarantors and adjusting to monthly rent payments, landlords are also likely to encounter increased costs due to changes in payment schedules.
The shift to periodic contracts could disrupt the traditional student rental cycle: if a student leaves mid-year, it may be difficult to re-let the property until the next academic year. Additionally, landlords could become liable for council tax if a property remains vacant for three to four months. The bill threatens to fundamentally disrupt the student HMO market, where the changes could have a significant knock-on effect on student letting behaviour, cashflow and student landlords deciding to leave the market.
