Renters' Rights Bill 2025: What Students Need to Know

The Renters' Rights Bill, set to pass through Parliament by July 2025, brings the most significant changes to rental law in decades. Here's what every student needs to know about how these changes will affect their accommodation.

Key Changes Coming May 2025

The new regulations will fundamentally change how student housing works in England and Wales:

End of Section 21 'No-Fault' Evictions

Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without providing a valid reason. This provides significantly more security for students, especially those in shared houses who previously faced uncertainty about their housing situation.

Deposit Limits

A major change for students: landlords can now only request one month's rent in advance. This particularly affects international students who previously used larger upfront payments to secure housing without UK guarantors.

Periodic Tenancies Become Standard

All new tenancies will become rolling periodic contracts rather than fixed-term agreements. This provides more flexibility but may result in shorter notice periods for both tenants and landlords.

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) Exemptions

University-managed accommodation and PBSA providers will be exempt from many of these changes if they sign up to government-approved codes of practice, including:

Universities UK/GuildHE Accommodation Code of Practice
Unipol/ANUK National Code

Impact on Student Housing Supply

Industry experts predict these changes may:

Reduce available rental stock - some landlords may exit the market
Increase rental prices - landlords may adjust rents to compensate for reduced deposit income
Create administrative delays - transition period may cause booking disruptions

Existing Tenancies

Important: If you already have an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), it will automatically transition to an assured tenancy under the new system. This means:

Your current tenancy remains valid
You gain additional protections against eviction
Your landlord must follow new procedures for any changes

What Students Should Do Now

For September 2025 Accommodation

Book early - uncertainty may reduce available properties
Understand new deposit rules - prepare for maximum one month advance rent
Check landlord credentials - ensure they understand new regulations
Review tenancy agreements carefully - new terms will apply

Current Tenants

Know your enhanced rights - you have stronger protection against unfair eviction
Document any issues - landlords must now provide valid reasons for eviction
Understand transition arrangements - your AST automatically becomes an assured tenancy

Enhanced Tenant Protection

The new legislation strengthens tenant rights in several key areas:

Grounds for Eviction

Landlords must now provide one of 17 specific grounds for eviction, including:

Rent arrears
Anti-social behaviour
Breach of tenancy terms
Landlord requiring property for family use

Maintenance Standards

Stronger enforcement of the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act means landlords must:

Maintain properties in good repair
Address health and safety issues promptly
Ensure all safety certificates are current

Timeline and Implementation

Key dates to remember:

May 1, 2025 - New student accommodation codes of practice come into effect
Summer 2025 - Renters' Rights Bill expected to receive Royal Assent
September 2025 - First academic year under new tenancy rules

Advice for International Students

The deposit limit changes particularly affect international students:

Alternative guarantees - explore rent guarantee insurance instead of large deposits
Bank statements - provide evidence of funds in your home country
University support - many institutions offer guarantor services
PBSA options - purpose-built accommodation may offer more predictable terms

These changes represent the most significant reform to rental law in 30 years. While they provide enhanced protection and rights for student tenants, it's important to understand how they may affect housing availability and costs. Stay informed and plan ahead for a smooth transition to the new system.