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The Renters’ Rights Act has now come into force and has brought the biggest changes to renting law in England in decades. For student renters, this has significantly changed how tenancies work, how long contracts last, and what rights both students and landlords have. If you’re renting a student house in Gloucester (or anywhere in England), here’s what the new system now looks like.
Fixed-term student contracts have ended
Student houses are no longer let on traditional 12-month fixed-term contracts (for example, September to August). All tenancies are now periodic (rolling) agreements from day one. This means there are no fixed-term ASTs, tenants can give two months’ notice at any time, and agreements run month-to-month. What this means for students: you are no longer locked into a strict 12-month commitment. If your circumstances change — placement year, deferring, transferring university — you can serve notice and leave with the correct notice period. However, student housing still operates around the academic year, so many houses are still marketed well in advance of September.
Important for joint tenancies: in most student houses where you sign one agreement together, notice given by one tenant can end the tenancy for everyone. This means if one housemate serves notice, the entire tenancy can come to an end and the property could become available again. Groups will need to communicate clearly and make joint decisions before anyone serves notice.
Section 21 “No-Fault” evictions have been abolished
Landlords can no longer use a Section 21 notice to regain possession without giving a reason. Instead, landlords must rely on specific legal grounds, such as serious rent arrears, breach of tenancy, intention to sell the property, or moving in a close family member. What this means for students: you now have greater security in your home and cannot be asked to leave without a legally defined reason.
Large rent-in-advance payments are no longer allowed
One of the biggest changes for student renters is that landlords can no longer demand large amounts of rent upfront. Rent is now generally limited to one month in advance. This particularly affects international students, students without UK-based guarantors, and groups where one tenant cannot provide a guarantor. Guarantor schemes are now more commonly used instead of requesting significant upfront payments.
Many students prefer to pay their rent in advance along with semester dates and student finance payments as this helps them budget for each semester. This will still be possible under the new law if that is what a tenant wishes to do, as long as the first payment is just for one month.
Rent increases are limited to one per year
Under the new law, rent can only be increased once per year, at least two months’ written notice must be given, and tenants have the right to challenge excessive increases through a tribunal. This has created more predictability and transparency around any rent adjustments.
Bidding wars have been banned
Landlords and agents must advertise a clear asking rent and cannot invite or accept offers above that price. For students competing for houses during busy periods (typically November–January), this removes pressure to bid over the advertised rent to secure a property.
What this means for your student house
The Renters’ Rights Act has reshaped the structure of student renting. The key benefits for students include more flexibility if plans change, stronger protection from eviction, fairer rent practices, and improved transparency. However, the student market operates differently from general private renting. Because there are no fixed-term contracts, the way houses are secured and managed has and will evolve. Students may notice changes in how early houses are advertised, how agreements are structured, how guarantors are required, and how notice periods are handled within groups.
While the law increases protection for renters, there are potential downsides in the student market. Because landlords can no longer rely on fixed 12-month contracts, some may become more cautious about letting to large student groups or international students. There may be stricter referencing, stronger guarantor requirements, or fewer properties available in certain areas. Some landlords may also decide to leave the student market altogether if they feel the new rules increase risk or reduce certainty around the academic year cycle. As a result, students may need to plan earlier, ensure their paperwork is in order, and act quickly when suitable houses become available.
Before entering into a tenancy agreement, understand that your tenancy is now periodic, know your notice period, be clear on how rent is structured, and discuss expectations openly within your group. Student renting is now more flexible and more regulated — but understanding how the new rules work will help you avoid confusion later. If you’re looking for student accommodation in Gloucester and would like straightforward guidance under the new system, feel free to get in touch.