How to Prepare for Life After University 💡
The Renter's Rights Act is here. Here's what it means for you.
New rules came into force on 1 May 2026, changing how student tenancies work across England. We've got you covered — here's everything you need to know.
The basics — what is the act and what changed
What is the Renters’ Rights Act and when does it start?
The Renters Right Act (RRA) is a major reform in private renting in England. It came into force on 1st May 2026.
What changes for renters in the UK from May 2026?
From the 1st May 2026 private renters gain:
- Rolling periodic tenancies (no fixed end date)
- No-fault evictions abolished
- Rent increases limited to once per year, with the right to challenge them
- Ban on bidding wards
- Ban on requiring more than one month's rent up front
- Ban on discrimination
- Right to Request a pet
What are the pros and cons of the Renters’ Rights Act for students?
Pros
- More flexibility: leave with 2 months’ notice
- No more no‑fault evictions
- Stronger protections against discrimination
- Lower upfront costs (max one month’s rent)
- Right to request a pet
Cons
- Harder for landlords to plan student cycles → may reduce supply
- Ground 4A means many student HMOs may still end each summer
- Joint tenancies remain complicated when someone wants to leave
- Possible rent increases due to landlord concerns
How will the new rental laws affect student housing availability?
Likely effects:
- Private landlords may become more selective or exit the market due to increased regulation
- HMOs may see higher turnover because students can leave anytime
- PBSA demand may rise, as fixed‑term certainty remains
How it affects students specifically
How does the Renters’ Rights Act affect students specifically?
University owned halls - Fully exempt from the RRA- Universities can continue to offer fixed term periods.
Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) - Exempt from the RRA where the building is registered with the National Code (ANUK/Unipol). Providers can continue to offer fixed term contracts.
Private Houses or Flats (Houses of multiple Occupancy or small lets) -
Fully covered by the RRA:
- Tenancies become rolling
- Tenants can give two months' notice
- Landlords need a legal ground to evict
- a special Ground 4A allows landlords to end a student HMO tenancy each summer during June and September.
Does the Renters’ Rights Act apply to student accommodation?
Yes, for most private student rentals. No for University Halls and PBSA which are exempt if registered under the National Code.
Tenancies, contracts and notice periods
What is a rolling tenancy and how does it work for students?
A rolling (periodic) tenancy:
- Has no fixed end date
- Continues month‑to‑month
- Students can leave with 2 months’ notice
- Landlords can only end it using a legal possession ground
For joint student tenancies, ending the tenancy usually ends it for the whole household.
Can students still sign contracts for a full academic year?
Yes, but only in University Halls and PBSA properties registered under the National Code.
What happens to my current tenancy after May 2026?
- Your tenancy will convert to a rolling periodic tenancy
- You must give two months' notice to quit
- Your landlord or agent must give you the official government information sheet by 31st May 2026
- Your rental instalments will change to monthly
How does the new law affect joint student tenancies?
If you are renting an HMO or small let with multiple housemates as a joint tenancy any one tenant can serve a valid notice to quit.
That notice will end the entire tenancy for all joint tenants and not just this one person leaving.
If you are renting a University Hall or PBSA Studio with a joint tenant, then both parties would need to serve notice.
Can I replace a housemate under a rolling tenancy?
The Renter's Rights Act does not create an automatic right to swap tenants. The replacement will depend on your landlord and letting agent.
What happens during summer if I don’t want to stay in my student housing?
If you have been given a periodic tenancy and/or are in an HMO or small let, you can give two months' notice ending on your rent due date and leave.
If you are in a University Hall or Purpose-Built Student Accommodation your contract will be a fixed term, you must leave at the end of this period.
Rights and protection
What happens if one student in a shared house wants to leave?
In a joint tenancy (most student HMOs):
- One tenant leaving usually ends the entire tenancy
- All tenants must agree
- Some landlords may allow a replacement tenant, but they are not required to
Can students have pets in rented accommodation now?
From 1 May 2026, all private tenants (including students in private rentals) have the right to request a pet, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse. They must respond in writing within 42 days.
This does not apply to:
- University halls
- Exempt PBSA
Can landlords refuse students on benefits or with guarantors?
From 1st May there is a blanket ban on refusing tenants who receive benefits. Landlords may still require a guarantor but cannot discriminate based on benefit status.
We're here to help
Whether you have a question about your tenancy, need more detail on the changes, or just want to know more about life at Yugo, here's where to go next.
Whether you have a question about your tenancy, need more detail on the changes, or just want to know more about life at Yugo, here's where to go next.
Still have questions?
Our team is on hand to walk you through what the changes mean for your booking.
More FAQs
Browse our full help centre for answers on bookings, contracts, payments, and life at Yugo.
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