Renter's Rights Act

The Government is introducing big changes to the way renting works in England. These changes are being made through something called the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.

In late October 2025, The Renters' Rights Bill received Royal Assent and passed in to law.  In late November 2025 the government published it's roadmap for the  implementation of the Act.   

Here’s what you need to know.

(please note this advice is aimed at students living in HMO properties, the advice for students living in purpose built student accommodation (student halls and university provided accommodation) will be different.  Please check back later for a link to this.

Where are we now?

November 2025

  • The Bill is now law, having received Royal Assent (the final stage) in late October 2025.

  • Universities, student groups, landlords, and organisations like Unipol are now getting ready for the implementation of the Act.  this will happen in three phases as set out in the Government's Roadmap published on 13th November 2025.  

What are the changes for students?

The Renters’ Rights Act is designed to give renters more protection and make renting fairer. For students, this will effect:

  • Tenancy types: Fixed-term contracts are to be replaced with open-ended ones, where you can give 2 months' notice when you want to leave.

  • Moving out: a Section 21 “no fault” eviction notice will be abolished.  Going forward landlords will have to use specific legal grounds (called “Grounds for Possession”) to ask tenants to leave.  These will update the current grounds in Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988.  With student properties you will start to see the use of a new ground called 4A.  The landlord will have to meet stricter conditions in order to use this and will need to give you 4 months' notice ahead of the 1 June - 30 September window when it can be used to get possession of the property. 

  • Giving Notice: After implementation you will be able to give 2 months' notice to your landlord. 

    It is always advisable to try and resolve issues with your landlord if you are wanting to move because of disrepair.  If you are in a joint tenancy giving notice would end the tenancy for everyone so it's important to communicate your intentions to your housemates.
     
  • Rent increases and rent in advance: Landlords will only be allowed to increase rent once every 12 months, with clear notice periods and procedures for doing so. 
     
    A landlord can no longer require rent in advance for more than one month.  However if you wish to pay larger amounts in advance you can request to do so.

  • Housing standards: A new Decent Homes Standard will be introduced, which means accommodation must meet certain minimum standards. This is likely to come in to operation after 2030.

  • Deposits and fairness: Rules around deposit protection and returning deposits are being tightened, so students should find it easier to get money back.

  • Awaab’s Law – landlords will have strict deadlines to fix serious hazards like damp and mould, meaning faster and stronger action if your health could be at risk. This will be introduced after 2030.

Why does this matter to you now?

  • If you’re a student signing a tenancy before the Act is implemented, your tenancy is still under the current system (ASTs and fixed terms).
  • Once the law is enacted on 1st May 2025, new contracts will follow the new rules.  There will be a transitional period for those contracts that are currently running and those which were signed before enactment but where you have not yet moved in.  You will receive information from your landlord between 1st May and 31st May detailing what these changes will mean to you.
  • Landlords will still be able to serve a section 21 notice up to enactment to their current tenants so you may receive this before 1st May 2025.  This will ldetail the end date of your contract that will probably match the arrangements you are currently under.
  • Understanding your rights now will make it easier to navigate these changes later.

How Unipol can help

At Unipol, we:

  • Check contracts and explain the tricky jargon!
  • Advise students and parents on their rights and responsibilities.
  • Support complaints through the Unipol Code, if your landlord is accredited.
  • Provide up-to-date information as the Renters’ Rights Act, so you’ll always know where you stand.

What’s next?

  • Keep an eye on our updates — we’ll publish new guidance as the implementation date gets nearer.
  • If you’re confused or worried about how this might affect your housing, get in touch with Unipol’s Housing Hub.