The Renters' Rights Act: A LUSU Rundown (Pt.1)
Wednesday 15-04-2026 - 10:45
Part 1: The Act is Here!
You might have heard that big changes are coming for the rental market in the UK. You might wonder what impact these changes will have on you and your tenancy.
Well don’t fear. Your Students’ Union has done the reading!
Over the next six weeks, we’ll be releasing a series of short briefings to help you understand the new law and your new rights as renters.
Part 1: The Act is Here!
What is the Renters Rights Act?
Approved in October 2025, this new law brings the biggest shake-up to private renting in England in almost 40 years. For students, the changes create a huge impact on the way current student housing operates
Angela Rayner MP, who introduced the bill in parliament
How does it affect me?
Depending on the type of accommodation you live in, the act can affect everything from tenancy lengths and deposit protection to your eviction rights. These changes will come into force on the 1st of May 2026.
What are the different types of accommodation?
Private:
- Living in a house with 3 or more unrelated students with shared facilities (legally known as a HMO – House in Multiple Occupancy)
- Living in a smaller property with 1-2 people (not a HMO)
Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)
- University-owned halls covered by the ANUK/Unipol Code
- University-owned halls covered by the Universities UK/Guild HE Code
- Private student accommodation buildings covered by the ANUK/Unipol Code
Look out for: an information leaflet sent from your landlord explaining what to expect from the act
Next week: What is Section 21 & 4A?
