Student landlords are seeking greater clarity over how the Renters’ Rights Act applies to the student rental market, with many turning to social media and online forums for guidance, according to student lettings agency loc8me.
The agency, which manages almost 10,000 student bedrooms across the UK, says it has seen a rise in enquiries from landlords trying to understand how the legislation affects issues such as Ground 4A, student tenancies and the process for regaining possession.
Fern Tebbutt, director of operations at loc8me, said: “The Renters’ Rights Act has been hugely significant for private landlords, but those who own student properties feel they have been left out of the conversation.
“Parts of the legislation which feel like common sense for ordinary private landlords don’t fit the challenges student landlords see. There has been a lack of guidance, which is affecting their ability to manage their properties smoothly.
“Many are now relying on social media commentary, online forums or outdated guidance. Getting the process wrong could result in delayed possession, unnecessary void periods and lost rental income.
According to loc8me, uncertainty is greatest among self-managing landlords, particularly in Nottingham, Leeds, Manchester, Bristol and Liverpool, where operators are also adapting to wider regulatory changes.
One of the most common areas of confusion is Ground 4A, the new possession ground for certain student HMOs. The agency says some landlords mistakenly believe it applies to all student properties, when one and two-bedroom student homes are excluded. It warns that errors in serving notice or tenancy documentation could prevent landlords from relying on the ground when seeking possession before the next academic year.
The agency also says some landlords believe the abolition of Section 21 means they can no longer recover possession of their properties. While the legislation changes the process, loc8me says possession remains available through the relevant statutory grounds, provided the correct procedures are followed.
It also disputes suggestions that the reforms will lead to large numbers of students ending tenancies mid-academic year. Although tenants have greater flexibility under the new rules, they must still give the required notice and follow the legal process to end a tenancy.
Loc8me says the student rental market operates differently from the wider private rented sector, with demand continuing to outstrip supply in many university cities. It argues that clearer guidance would help landlords understand the new regime and avoid compliance mistakes.
One of the most common misconceptions raised with the agency is that students can simply walk away from a tenancy whenever they choose.
In reality, tenants must still provide at least two months’ notice and follow the correct legal process before bringing a tenancy to an end.
While the reforms introduce greater flexibility, fears of widespread mid-year departures may be overstated, particularly as students have traditionally prioritised certainty over where they will live during the academic year.
Some property owners have come away with the impression that the abolition of Section 21 means they have lost their ability to regain possession altogether.
Fern said: “The legislation changes how possession is obtained, but it does not remove landlords’ rights.
“Responsible landlords still have protections available to them, but they need to understand the correct processes and make sure they are followed properly.”
The agency says uncertainty around possession remains one of the main reasons landlords are seeking reassurance, particularly those managing properties themselves without professional support.
Fears that the reforms will trigger a mass student departure may also be overstated.
Research into the UK’s largest student cities found there are around 2.7 students competing for every available purpose-built student accommodation bed, underlining the continued demand for student housing.
Fern continued: “The student market operates differently to the wider private rented sector.
“Students plan around academic calendars, friendship groups and university life. While the legislation introduces more flexibility, most students still want stability during their studies.”
She added: “What we’re seeing is not necessarily landlords rushing to sell.
“We’re seeing landlords questioning whether they have the time, knowledge and resources to manage their properties compliantly under the new regime.
“Many are now looking at professional management for the first time because they want reassurance that the correct processes are being followed.
“The majority of landlords we speak to are not looking for the exit door. They are looking for guidance.”
