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Student Lettings in Limbo: Renters Bill Chaos

  • Writer: Sarah Ruivivar
    Sarah Ruivivar
  • Sep 4, 2025
  • 2 min read
Image: Unsplash
Image: Unsplash

Grab your popcorn because the Renters Rights Bill is about to give the student housing sector a plot twist worthy of a thriller.


According to a survey of 250 agents, the new legislation, which replaces fixed-term tenancies with open-ended contracts, has agents fearing chaos as the academic year kicks off.


Why the drama? Well, 34% of agents worry this change could blow up the student letting cycle. Without fixed terms, students might leave mid-term, leading to property voids and throwing academic year planning into disarray. It’s like trying to plan a party when half the guests might leave before the cake is cut!


The survey reveals that 20% of agents say landlords are already backing out of the student market, and another 10% are reconsidering. Some agents have even advised clients to ditch student lets altogether. Talk about a shake-up!


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Currently, fixed terms aligned with the academic year provide landlords with certainty. But under the new system, students could leave in June post-exams, creating long summer voids, or quit early if they drop out. It’s a game of musical chairs, but with housing!


Adding to the drama, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) providers are exempt from the fixed-term ban, giving them a leg up over the private rented sector. Agents warn that landlords might hike rents to cover summer voids, potentially costing students more in the long run.


Alto, the survey’s commissioner, is urging the government to rethink the Bill and introduce student housing provisions. As Riccardo Iannucci-Dawson, Alto’s CEO, puts it, “This is a sector built around predictability, and the Renters Rights Bill rips that up.”


So, buckle up, folks! The student housing sector is in for a bumpy ride. Let’s hope the government can steer this ship back on course!


Want to hear more? Join Mal & Matt on the Property AI Report Podcast each week!

Access from your preferred podcast provider by clicking here



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