Staff at the University of Edinburgh are due to take strike action for five weeks during the Autumn 2026 semester, with the proposed industrial action beginning in the second week of term on 28 September.
While the dispute is primarily between university staff and the institution, its effects could extend beyond the campus. For private landlords and Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) providers across Edinburgh, a prolonged disruption to teaching could create additional pressure around rent payments, tenancy arrangements, occupancy levels and landlord-tenant relations.
The extent of any impact remains uncertain, but landlords should be aware of several potential knock-on effects.
Increased risk of rent disputes
Periods of significant disruption can lead student campaign groups to broaden their focus from university services to the wider cost of living. Edinburgh has already seen organised student and tenant campaigns concerning accommodation costs, including activity involving groups such as Rent Justice Edinburgh and Living Rent.
During previous student disputes, rent strikes and rent-withholding campaigns have been used as forms of protest. Although private landlords and PBSA operators are separate from the university, they can nevertheless become involved if tenants decide to withhold rent as part of a wider campaign.
For landlords, this makes clear communication particularly important. Any missed or late payments should be dealt with promptly and consistently, while landlords should ensure that their approach complies with the terms of the tenancy agreement and applicable Scottish housing law.
Pressure for early lease releases
Five weeks of disrupted teaching could affect how some students use their accommodation. Students who normally need to be in Edinburgh for lectures and seminars may decide to spend more time at home if teaching is cancelled or substantially reduced, potentially prompting questions about leaving their accommodation early.
For landlords, however, the position depends on the type of accommodation and tenancy involved. Most private residential tenancies in Scotland are open-ended Private Residential Tenancies (PRTs), rather than fixed-term agreements. A tenant can generally end a PRT by giving the landlord at least 28 days' written notice. Landlords should therefore not assume that a student is contractually committed to remain in the property until the end of the academic year.
This makes mid-term vacancies a potential concern for landlords, particularly outside the main summer letting period when replacing a student tenant can be more difficult. Landlords should check the precise tenancy arrangement and respond to requests to leave in accordance with Scottish housing law, keeping any agreement or correspondence in writing.
The position can differ for Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and other forms of student accommodation, where the contractual and legal arrangements may be different.
Strained landlord-tenant relations
The industrial action is taking place against a wider backdrop of concern about student living costs and accommodation affordability in Edinburgh. Student representatives and campaign groups have previously criticised rising rents and the cost of university accommodation.
A prolonged strike could intensify those conversations and potentially increase friction between tenants and accommodation providers.
Landlords may consequently face greater scrutiny over rent increases, arrears management, deposit deductions and other tenancy matters. Maintaining transparent records and communicating decisions clearly could become increasingly important if disagreements arise.
Changes in demand and mid-term vacancies
Another potential consequence is a temporary change in student demand.
Some students, particularly those with family homes elsewhere in Scotland or the UK, may choose to spend more time away from Edinburgh while teaching is disrupted. Others may delay moving into accommodation if their attendance requirements change.
For landlords and PBSA operators, this could create uncertainty around occupancy and demand, particularly for rooms normally marketed to students who require accommodation close to campus.
