Renters' Rights Bill: Organisations urge student housing protections
Proposed PRS reforms which are designed to bolster tenant security, are under scrutiny as concerns mount over their impact on the student accommodation sector.
The Renters' Rights Bill aims to abolish Section 21 'no-fault' evictions and enhance renter protections.
However, two industry bodies are warning that without critical amendments, the legislation could disrupt the student housing market and leave new undergraduates struggling to secure homes.
Bill will end fixed-term tenancies
Propertymark has raised alarms about the Bill's plan to end fixed-term tenancies.
This change could allow graduates to remain in properties under periodic tenancies, reducing available homes for incoming students.
In a letter to the education secretary Bridget Phillipson, Propertymark urged the retention of fixed-term tenancy options for student landlords to ensure properties remain available for each academic year.
Safeguard student housing cycle
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is also pressing for a cross-party amendment to safeguard the annual cycle of student housing.
It says the government's proposed possession ground, intended to allow landlords to reclaim properties for new students, currently excludes one- and two-bedroom properties, which constitute a third of student accommodation.
The NRLA supports an amendment which would extend this ground to all student housing types.
The NRLA's chief executive, Ben Beadle, warns: "Ministers must back these constructive, sensible proposals to ensure the Renters’ Rights Bill works in practice.
"Without changes, students will struggle to plan where they will live."
Big changes to the PRS
Beyond student concerns, the Bill introduces sweeping changes to the private rented sector.
It aims to prevent discrimination against tenants with children or pets and those receiving benefits, while outlawing bidding wars by requiring landlords to publish a fixed asking rent.
The legislation also extends Awaab’s Law to private rentals, enforcing stricter mould prevention measures.
A new Decent Homes Standard will set higher minimum requirements for rental properties, and a PRS Ombudsman and landlord database will promote fairness and accountability, the government claims.
Abolitions of Section 21
However, the NRLA is also highlighting potential strain on the justice system, with the abolition of Section 21 expected to increase court cases for possession, which currently take more than seven months to process.
Liberal Democrat housing spokesperson Baroness Thornhill has tabled an amendment calling for a review of the court system's capacity, noting the housing minister's admission that it is 'on its knees'.
Also, a proposal from a former Number 10 legal adviser seeks to reverse the Bill's increase in permissible rent arrears, arguing it could exacerbate tenant debt and deter landlords from renting to those with weaker credit histories.
Landlords must understand rules
Propertymark's chief executive, Nathan Emerson, emphasised the need for clarity, saying: "The Renters' Rights Bill will bring about huge changes to the way people rent across the country.
"Both tenants and landlords need to understand the new rules and how it will impact them."
The Bill also restricts advance rent payments to one month, potentially limiting options for tenants with poor credit but the means to pay upfront.
The Bill reaches its Report Stage in the House of Lords on 22 April and there are growing calls for ministers to provide certainty on implementation timelines and court readiness.
Keep student accommodation viable
The managing director of Accommodation for Students, Simon Thompson, said: "The proposed shift to periodic tenancies threatens the predictable cycle of student lets.
"Without amendments to secure fixed-term tenancies or extend possession grounds to all property types, landlords may face difficulties ensuring properties are available for new students each September."
He added: "The tweaks needed would leave the Bill stronger for student landlords and tenants - and keep the student accommodation sector viable."
