1. Stronger Tenancy Agreements
- All tenancies will move to a single system of periodic tenancies (no fixed-term contracts in the traditional sense)
- You can leave with proper notice (usually 2 months), giving you more flexibility
You won’t be locked into long contracts that don’t match the academic year – but you’ll need to plan notice periods carefully.
2. Limits on Rent Increases
- Rent increases will be limited to once per year
- They must reflect market rates and can be challenged if unfair
Tip: If your landlord raises rent a lot, you can challenge it through a tribunal.
3. Better Living Standards
- Landlords must fix hazards like damp, mould, or unsafe wiring more quickly
- A new “Decent Homes Standard” will apply to private rentals
For students: If your house is freezing, mouldy, or unsafe, you’ll have stronger grounds to demand repairs.
4. Easier to Keep Pets
- Tenants will have the right to request a pet
- Landlords can’t unreasonably refuse (though they may require insurance)
Good news if you’ve ever wanted a pet at uni – but expect some conditions.
5. No More “No-Fault” Evictions
- Landlords will no longer be able to evict you without giving a valid reason (ending “Section 21” evictions)
- This means more security – you can’t be asked to leave suddenly without cause
For students: This is especially helpful if you’re renting during term time and worried about being forced out mid-year.
6. Rent must be paid monthly (not termly)
Under the new law, rent periods can’t be longer than one month. This means:
- No more paying termly (every 3–4 months)
- No more paying 6 or 12 months upfront
- Rent is typically paid monthly by default
This is a big change because student housing traditionally required large upfront or termly payments.
7. You can only be asked for 1 month upfront
- Landlords can ask for a maximum of one month’s rent in advance.
- They cannot demand multiple months upfront anymore.
For students:
- This makes renting more affordable at the start
- But landlords may ask for a guarantor instead (very common now)
8. You pay on a fixed monthly due date
Once your tenancy starts:
- Rent is due on a set date each month (eg the 1st)
- Landlords can’t force you to pay earlier than that date
You can choose to pay early, but they can’t require it.
9. Tenancies are “rolling” monthly
All student tenancies become monthly rolling (periodic) instead of fixed 12-month contracts.
Your rent is linked to this cycle:
- You pay month-by-month
- You can leave with 2 months’ notice, but must keep paying during that time
Example: If you give notice in April → you still pay rent for May + June.
10. What this means in real life (student example)
Old system:
- Pay £1,500–£4,000 upfront (termly or more)
- Locked into a 12-month contract
New system:
- Pay £500/month (example)
- Pay as you go each month
- Can leave earlier (with notice)
11. Fairer Treatment
- Landlords cannot discriminate against tenants on benefits or with children
- This helps ensure fair access to housing
12. New Ombudsman & Database
- A landlord ombudsman service will handle disputes without going to court
- A national landlord database will improve transparency
For students: Easier complaints process if something goes wrong.
For full details of the Renters’ Rights Act, please visit the Guide to the Renters’ Rights Act – GOV.UK.
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