Nearly half (45%) of student landlords intend to market their properties later than usual following the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act, according to research by Accommodation for Students covering around 7,400 student properties.
The findings point to a significant shift in the student lettings cycle, which has traditionally seen landlords begin marketing homes in October and November for the following academic year.
The change is being driven by Ground 4A, the new student possession ground, which requires landlords wishing to rely on it to avoid signing tenancy agreements more than six months before the tenancy start date.
For many landlords, this means rethinking long-established practices. Marketing student homes almost a year in advance has historically provided certainty that properties would be let before the start of the academic year. Under the new rules, signing agreements too early could prevent landlords from relying on Ground 4A to regain possession.
The survey found that 73% of landlords intend to use Ground 4A, while 65% were aware that entering into tenancy agreements too far in advance could affect their ability to rely on the provision.
Rather than abandoning the traditional marketing timetable altogether, some landlords are expected to continue advertising properties in the autumn while delaying the signing of tenancy agreements until they fall within the six-month window.
However, that approach presents operational challenges for landlords and letting agents. Holding deposit rules limit how long prospective tenants can reserve a property before a tenancy agreement is signed, creating uncertainty over how to bridge the gap between securing interest and completing a legally compliant tenancy.
Simon Thompson, director and founder of Accommodation for Students, said: “The student lettings market has operated in broadly the same way for many years, with landlords traditionally marketing properties almost a year before students move in.
“Our research suggests many landlords are now reviewing that approach as they adapt to the new legislation. While the traditional autumn lettings season is not going to disappear overnight, we could see more properties coming onto the market later than the sector has been used to.”
The findings suggest that while October and November are likely to remain important months for student property searches, more accommodation could become available later in the academic year as landlords adjust their marketing strategies.
