Expert Reacts To Renters’ Rights Act Ahead of Changes This Week
The Renters’ Rights Act comes into force this week (1st May), introducing major reforms to tenancy structures, eviction rules, and tenant protections across England. The changes will reshape how landlords manage properties and how tenants experience private renting, with significant implications for student private rentals and the wider rental market.
Ahead of implementation, Owen Dixon, Founder of Best Student Halls, has provided expert insights from a student housing perspective on what the reforms will mean in practice for landlords, students, and renters preparing for the transition. He also outlines key areas where further clarity will be needed once the new system begins.
Owen Dixon on the Renters’ Rights Act and tenant protections
“The Renters’ Rights Act represents a significant shift in the rental landscape, strengthening tenant protections and introducing a more structured system overall,” Owen says. “However, within specific segments such as the student market, it risks creating a period of adjustment unless it is carefully aligned with the academic calendar.”
On fixed-term contracts, flexibility and student housing cycles
“While the move away from most fixed-term contracts does give some tenants greater flexibility,” Owen explains, “any changes to when a tenancy can end will still be governed by notice requirements and the structure of the new system.”
“Student lettings have traditionally been built around fixed academic cycles, giving both tenants and landlords certainty over move-in and move-out dates,” he continues. “With the shift away from fixed terms, the system becomes less about contractual end dates and more about structured possession rules, which means coordination across the wider market becomes more important.”
On market reaction, eviction reform, and landlord impact
“This is reflected in the mixed reactions we’re already seeing from both student renters and landlords,” he says. “There is broad support for stronger tenant protections, particularly the removal of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, but it also represents an operational shift in a market built around predictable annual cycles.”
“From a landlord’s perspective, the removal of Section 21 means relying more heavily on defined statutory grounds to regain possession,” he says. “That creates a fairer and more transparent system overall, but it also requires more planning and may increase administrative complexity, particularly during peak turnover periods.”
On student certainty and operational pressure
“Students want certainty that they will have accommodation secured for the full academic year, and providers need confidence they can legally regain possession in time to prepare properties for incoming cohorts.”
“For example,” Owen explains, “a student tenancy that would previously have ended in June will now rely on appropriate notice being given and the use of the relevant possession grounds under the new system. While the framework is designed to preserve academic-cycle turnover, any delays in the process could create pressure on turnaround times ahead of the September intake.”
On adaptation in the student market and the need for clarity
“It’s not all uncertainty, though,” he adds. “The student accommodation market is expected to adapt, with purpose-built student accommodation and some larger operators likely to structure their offer around the academic year, supported by the possession of grounds available for student lets. As a result, we may see a clearer distinction between providers who can offer structured academic-year certainty and those operating more flexible periodic arrangements, which may require more active management of timing.”
“Clarity is going to be important in the coming year,” he concludes. “Students will need to understand the type of tenancy they are entering, and accommodation providers will need to clearly explain how possession and notice rules apply under the new system.”
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