A coalition of landlords and student accommodation providers has warned that proposed reforms to the private rented sector could restrict access to higher education and stifle social mobility.
Ahead of the second reading of the Renters’ Rights Bill in the House of Lords on Tuesday, concerns have been raised that the Government’s plan to end fixed-term tenancy agreements will disrupt the annual cycle of student housing, creating significant uncertainty for students seeking accommodation.
The coalition, which includes housing providers and property portals, has argued that the current form of the legislation will leave many one- and two-bedroom student homes outside the protective measures intended to preserve the yearly housing cycle.
Thousands of student homes at risk
Analysis of data held by the coalition suggests that at least a fifth of all existing student housing in England could become unavailable for rent at the start of each academic year due to the changes.
In a letter to skills minister Baroness Smith, the organisations warned that without urgent amendments to the Bill, many students will struggle to access the housing they need, ultimately limiting their higher education options.
The letter emphasised that international students would be particularly affected. The Government’s proposal to restrict the payment of rent in advance would make it “near impossible” for international students without a UK credit history to prove their ability to sustain a tenancy.
Furthermore, UK-based students who pay their rent on a term-by-term basis will also face uncertainty over their ability to continue this practice, potentially leading to financial disruption and increased stress.
Landlords and housing providers raise the alarm
A coalition comprising the National Residential Landlords Association, Accommodation for Students, Homes for Students, StuRents, and the Young Group has strongly criticised the Government’s approach.
In a joint statement, the organisations said:
“It is staggering that there is no guarantee that at least one fifth of all student housing will be available to rent at the start of each academic year.”
The coalition warned that the proposed reforms would ultimately prove to be counterproductive, leading to greater uncertainty and financial anxiety among student tenants.
“All it will lead to is chaos and confusion for students, making it harder for them to secure housing and ultimately restricting options for higher education.”
The organisations have urged the Government and peers in the House of Lords to reconsider aspects of the Bill to ensure that all student housing remains available and accessible.
How the renters’ rights bill could impact students
The Renters’ Rights Bill aims to overhaul the private rented sector by introducing greater protections for tenants, including the abolition of fixed-term tenancies and restrictions on rent payments in advance.
While the legislation is designed to improve tenant security, landlords and student accommodation providers argue that it will disrupt the student housing market, which operates on an annual cycle tied to academic years.
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Under the current system, student tenancies typically run from September to August, ensuring that properties are available for new students at the start of each academic year. However, if fixed-term agreements are abolished, landlords may not be able to guarantee that properties will be vacated and available for incoming students.
International students could be hit hardest by the restrictions on paying rent in advance, as many rely on this method to secure accommodation without a UK-based guarantor. Without flexibility in rental payments, many could struggle to prove their ability to sustain a tenancy, making it even harder for them to find suitable housing.
A call for urgent amendments
The coalition has called on the Government to reconsider the impact of the Bill on students, warning that failing to address these concerns could harm social mobility and limit opportunities for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“We call on the Government and peers to act to protect the availability of all student housing.”
With the second reading of the Bill imminent, pressure is mounting on ministers to address the concerns raised by landlords, student housing providers, and students themselves.
The Government has yet to formally respond to the warnings, but the debate over how best to balance tenant rights with the unique needs of student renters is likely to continue in the coming weeks.
