Renters' Rights Act

If you're living in private accommodation, whether that's a student house or private halls (not owned and managed by the University), the Renters' Rights Act which comes into force in May 2026 will apply to your student residence.

If you're living in a hall that's owned and managed by your university then you will have signed a Licence Agreement to rent your room. This is a different type of letting agreement, that is not affected by the changes on 1 May. If you intend to stay on in university halls next year, these changes won’t apply to you.

However, if you choose to rent a private house, flat or room in a private hall in the future, it’s good to be familiar with the changes taking place.

Private Student Accommodation

If you’re renting a student house or private halls, the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force in May 2026 and could impact your living and your financial situation. It’s important you understand these changes so you’re ready to act this May if you need to.

From 1 May:

The type of tenancy agreement your accommodation provider or landlord must give you is changing.
If you have a fixed term tenancy, this will change to a rolling tenancy, known as an Assured Periodic Tenancy
This means that to end your new rolling periodic tenancy and move out, you must give two full months’ notice in writing to the accommodation provider. Your old fixed-term contract won’t end automatically anymore.

There are also changes to rules about landlords requesting advance rent payments from you and to rent increases, protecting you better from these.