Renters' Rights Act: information for students
From 1 May 2026, tenants have stronger protections. Report a problem to us if a landlord is not meeting the Renters’ Rights Act.
Do the rules apply to me?
The Renters' Rights Act usually applies if you rent:
- a shared student house, where three or more people share a kitchen or bathroom. This is known as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)
- a flat from a private landlord
- a house from a private landlord.
What the Act means for students in these properties
No more fixed-term contracts (in most cases)
Tenancies will usually run on a rolling basis from now on.
If your tenancy started before 1 May 2026, your contract will have changed to a rolling one.
You can leave more easily
You’ll normally be able to end your tenancy by giving at least two months’ notice.
Limits on rent upfront
Landlords can no longer ask for large amounts of rent in advance.
No 'no-fault' evictions
Landlords must have a legal reason to ask you to leave and follow the correct process.
If you live in a HMO, your landlord may be able to ask you to leave so the property is available for the next academic year. This is known as Ground 4A.
To use Ground 4A, your landlord must:
- tell you in writing before you sign your tenancy agreement
- give you at least four months' notice
- set a move-out date between 1 June and 30 September.
To read more about eviction rules, visit Grounds for possession: guidance for tenants on GOV.UK
Other student accommodation is different
Some student accommodation is exempt from parts of the Renters' Rights Act.
Different rules may apply if you live in:
- university-owned or university-managed halls
- some private halls where you signed a licence agreement instead of a tenancy agreement
- some purpose-built student accommodation that follows the National Code. Visit the National Code website for more information.
These properties may still use fixed-term agreements. They may also have different rules about ending a tenancy and paying rent in advance.
If you are not sure what type of accommodation you live in, check your agreement or ask for advice.
Need advice or more information?
- Manchester Student Homes can provide independent housing advice for students.
- Email: manchesterstudenthomes@manchester.ac.uk
- Telephone: 0161 275 7680
- Address: MSH Pod, University of Manchester Students' Union, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PR
- Unipol have created a series of videos about the changes. Watch the videos on the Manchester Student Homes website .
- Read full guidance for tenants on GOV.UK.