If you’ve heard about the government’s plans to end ‘no-fault evictions or major changes in renting, you’re right -the Renters’ Rights Bill will likely be in effect by the next academic year.

Though we don’t know the exact start date or final details, we have an idea of what’s coming.

These changes could impact how renting works for you next year, so here’s some of the key points on what to expect.

• Fixed tenancies will be replaced with periodic tenancies going forward to avoid anyone being trapped in unsuitable accommodation.
• Section 21 will be abolished, and the mandatory and discretionary grounds will be amended. Some of the bigger changes:
  • A lot of mandatory grounds have changed from 2 months to 4 months' notice.
  • Ground 1a and 1b added (sale of dwelling) with a 4-month notice period and cannot be used in the first 12 months of the tenancy. This is the new no-fault notice.
  • Ground 8: You need to give 4 weeks' notice instead of 2, and you need 3 months of arrears rather than 2 months.
  • Grounds 10 and 11 have changed from 2 weeks' notice to 4 weeks.
• There will be NO FIXED END dates so remember you will have to give notice. Previously many tenancy agreements ended over the summer, and you moved out. With this new bill you will formally need to notify your landlord that you plan to leave – e.g. if you want to move out in June you will need to notify in April.
• Rent in advance is limited to one month's rent. In affect this will mean Landlords will no longer be able to ask for instalment or upfront rent payments, which means everyone will pay monthly. For international students who previously paid up front instead of having a UK-based guarantor, this may be an adjustment.
• A new ombudsman has been created – the Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman, to manage complaints about landlord actions and behaviours.
• A new private rented database has been created, which all landlords must legally register with so local authorities can better determine who owns or manages non-compliant properties.
• Prohibition of rental discrimination.
• During the Transition - When this becomes Law- Many of you will already have secured next year’s accommodation, which means you have signed a contract before the Renters’ Rights Bill is officially in effect. If that’s the case, expect to be contacted by your landlord or agent to sign an updated contract once the new rules kick in.
• Rental bidding is banned. Landlords and letting agencies will no longer be allowed to invite or accept rent offers above the listed price.
• All private rented properties must comply with the Decent Home Standard.
• Awaab’s Law introduced – Enables tenants to take enforcement action against landlords for failing to address hazards within a specified time limit.
• New enforcement powers have been given.

And Finally:

If you are renting from the University or an accredited student accommodation provider (also called Purpose-Built Student Accommodation, or PBSA), these changes will not affect you.

They only apply to privately rented houses or flats from individual landlords or agencies.

Access free advice at the SU:

As a University of Plymouth student, you have access to the University of Plymouth Students’ Union SU Advice team who are highly experienced and can offer free, impartial, and confidential financial advice to any student who needs it. 

This includes advice on finances, housing, travel, healthcare, education and more. 

Our SU Advice team are here to support all University of Plymouth students, whether they are a new student, returning student, postgraduate or international student.

Get in touch by emailing advice@su.plymouth.ac.uk, by calling us on 01752 588373 (and leaving a voicemail if we cannot get to the phone), or by completing the online enquiry form here.