Renting as a Student: What It Means for Students

If you've heard people talking about "renters' rights" and felt a bit lost—you're not alone. Big changes are coming to student renting in England from May 2026. They're designed to make things fairer, but they do change how renting works.

From 1 May 2026, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 comes into force across England. Renting becomes more flexible, you get more protection, and landlords have stricter rules to follow. And yes, this includes students renting privately.

This guide explains what's changing, what it means for students and what to do if you're worried about your tenancy.

Renters' Rights Act: Student FAQs

What's Changing on 1 May 2026

From May 2026, several major changes will come into force:

• Section 21 notice "no-fault" evictions will be abolished
• Most fixed-term tenancies will be replaced with rolling periodic tenancies
• Rent can usually only be increased once per year
• Landlords must give a legal reason to evict a tenant
• Tenants will be able to leave by giving two months notice

The aim is to give renters more security and protection.

Why You Might See More Section 21 Notices Rght Now

Until 30 April 2026, landlords can still use Section 21 notice to start the process of ending a tenancy.

Because these notices will be abolished when the Renters' Rights Act comes into force, some landlords may serve them now so they can still rely on the current rules.

If you recieve one:

• It does not mean you have to leave immediately
• It simply means the landlord has started a legal process
• The landlord may still need to go through the courts

If you're unsure what to do, contact the SU Advice Service.

What this means for students

Student housing often works differently from other renting, so these changes may feel confusing at first.

Here's what they mean in practice

You may no longer be locked into a fixed 12-month contract

Most tenancies will becoming rolling agreements. This means your tenancy continues until either:

• you give notice to leave, or
• your landlord has a valid legal reason to end it.

You may have more flexibility to leave

Tenants will generally be able to leave by giving notice, rather than being tied to a fixed term.

However, it's still important to check your tenancy agreement and get advice before leaving a property.

Some rules may be different for student HMOs

Many student houses are HMOs (houses in multiple occupation). There may be specific eviction grounds relating to student properties, so rules may not always work exactly the same as in non-student rentals.

Can Landlords Still Evict Tenants?

Yes. The new law does not remove the ability for landlords to evict tenants.

Instead, landlords must rely on specific legal grounds under Housing Act 1988, often referred to as Section 8 grounds.

These can include:

• serious rent arrears
• anti-social behaviour
• breach of the tenancy agreement
• the landlord selling the property
• the landlord or a family member moving into the property

The main difference is that landlords will need a clear legal reason.

Other Changes Coming Later

The Renters' Rights Act will also introduce further changes over time, including:

• A national landlord database
• A private rented sector ombudsman
• New housing quality standards for rental homes

These changes aim to improve accountability and housing conditions across the rental sector.

What To Do If You're Worried About Your Tenancy

If your landlord has:

• given you notice
• asked you to leave
• increased your rent
• or you're unsure about your rights

you can contact the SU Advice service for support.

Getting advice early can help you understand your options and avoid unnecessary stress.

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