đ What Students Need to Know About the Rentersâ Rights Act
The Rentersâ Rights Act has now been approved by Parliament and is expected to come into effect before September 2026.
It will change the way most student tenancies work, so itâs worth knowing whatâs coming before you sign your next agreement.
đ The Outgoing Approach
In Worcester, most student tenancies have been fixed for 11 months, from 1 September to 31 July.
- Once signed, youâre committed for the full term. To leave early requires a replacement tenant.
- Some houses use joint agreements (everyoneâs on one contract), while others use individual agreements, where youâre only responsible for your own rent.
- Most properties are advertised from October, ready for the following September.
The average rent for a standard student room is about ÂŁ550 per month (ÂŁ116 per week) for the 11 months.
đ Whatâs Changing
When the new law takes effect:
- Fixed-term tenancies will go, replaced by rolling monthly agreements.
- Youâll be able to give two monthsâ notice to leave whenever you like.
- On a joint tenancy, if one tenant gives notice, the whole tenancy ends for everyone.
- Landlords can only end a tenancy using a specific Ground 4A notice, which must be explained before you sign.
- Agreements canât be signed more than six months before your move-in date.
- These rules mainly apply to student houses (HMOs), purpose-built student blocks, and halls have different arrangements.
- Even existing tenancies will automatically switch to the new rolling type when the law begins.
đ What This Means for You
Overall, the new system gives students more flexibility and protection but presents some challenges for landlords and tenants.
Hereâs how things might change:
- Some landlords may adjust tenancy dates to start in advance of the Academic year and assume tenants stay until the end of the student year. (approx. 46 weeks)
- Or to start for the Academic year and assume tenants stay until the end of the student year. (approx. 40 weeks)
To keep the annual cost about the same, a room that currently costs ÂŁ550 per month (ÂŁ116 per week) might rise to about ÂŁ655 per month (ÂŁ151 per week) for a shorter, 40-week contract.
đ Our Approach at Platinum
We think the best way forward is to:
- Offer individual tenancies (so your contract isnât affected by others).
- Accept holding deposits so you can reserve your room early.
- Wait until the new agreements are ready before signing , within six months of your start date.
- Offer some flexible start dates, possibly earlier than the academic year.
đŹ Need Help?
We know these changes can be confusing, so if youâre unsure what the new rules mean for you, just ask.
Our team at Platinum Property in St Johnâs, Worcester, is happy to explain everything and help you find the right tenancy for your needs.
Call us on 01905 740580 or email us on rentals@platinum-property.co.uk