Renters’ Rights Bill causes the Non-Educational Code to be reviewed
Lots of changes to the private rented sector are being proposed through the Renters’ Rights Bill and in order for the government’s intention to keep non-educational providers exempt from the effects, changes must be made to the National Code.
Such changes are being discussed through a consultation occurring from April 9 th to May 22 nd 2025. An online questionnaire is being used to track responses to the consultation.
Why are changes being made
It has been announced by the government that non-educational providers will receive a specified status for exemption to some RRB provisions.
PBSA suppliers that have signed up to a “Government approved Code of Practice will be given the status of ‘specified bodies’ following permitted regulation under Paragraph 8 of schedule 1 Housing Act 1988,” says the National Code. This is already in place for notable educational institutions but will be extended to other PBSA Code members too.
The exemption from RRB provisions comes with a number of opportunities but also some risks for non-educational providers.
The National Code site says that it has been agreed that this exemption is “an opportunity to ensure that students renting under the National Code for Non-Educational Providers do not lose certain rights and that this is an opportunity to provide some further rights giving students greater tenure flexibility, reflecting certain ideas behind the Bill.”
Review period
It has been previously agreed that the National Code for Non-Educational Providers would be reviewed every five years, with the most recent review completed on 2nd March 2022. Whilst the next review would usually be in 2027, due to the nature of importance of some changes being made within the Code, a new date has been brought forward to happen in the summer of 2025.
This review will not affect the 5 year cycle and a full Code review will still take place in 2027, to discuss the effects of the proposed changes once they have been enforced.
Who should take part in the questionnaire
The National Code wants to gain as many responses as possible from the housing sector but they are particularly interested in hearing from students and their unions, members of the National Codes, universities themselves, local authorities, as well as stakeholders.
Main changes
The consultation wants to address quite a few changes, all of which can be read in the official proposal document.
However, the main issues being addressed regard: the accuracy of information about Code membership, occupants to have the ability to withdraw from tenancy agreements if they withdraw/suspend their studies, expansion on the Building Remediation section, provisions in the event of the death of an occupant, compliance with government guidance on damp and mould etc.
Extra information about the consultation
This consultation will help to reform the Code during a fundamental time for the housing sector. Feedback and questions from all stakeholders involved with the sector are welcomed and encouraged by the National Code in order for the correct adaptations to be made.
If you have any questions, email - nationalcodes@unipol.org.uk or phone - 0113 205 3406
Responses via questionnaire are preferred but written answers are accepted via this email - nationalcodes@unipol.org.uk
