Tuesday, 29 September 2026
The Renters' Rights Act: What PBSA Providers Need to Know
The Renters' Rights Act represents the most significant change to the private rented sector in a generation. For purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) providers, understanding how these reforms affect student housing, tenancy arrangements, and operational practices is critical.
This brand-new one-day online conference has been designed specifically for National Code Members, applicants, and providers considering joining the National Codes for Larger Developments. The event will provide a comprehensive overview of the Renters' Rights Act, with particular emphasis on the exemption available to National Code members and what providers need to do to benefit from it.
The session will be delivered online via Zoom.
Spaces Available
Agenda
10.00 - 10.10 Welcome and introductions Victoria Tolmie-Loverseed and Jess Carrier
10.10 - 11.00 Session 1: Understanding the legal status of students living in PBSA Sarah Cummins
- Determining the student’s legal status:
- Tenancy or licence
- If a tenancy what type: APT or common law tenancy
- Introduce differences – inside/outside Housing Act 1988 and what this means re application of RRA changes
- Status determined by law not the label on the agreement
- Why there are different tenancy types in private halls:
- RRA exemption
- How the exemption operates – cannot be an assured tenancy
- Falling within the exemption – legislative requirements and National Code conditions
- Transition period for AY 26/27 - when exemption applies.
- What if label on agreement is different to student’s legal status
- Re-contracting practices
11.00 - 11.10 Comfort break
11.10 - 12.00 Session 2: Assured Periodic Tenancies: Students' rights and your obligations Sarah Cummins
- Understanding the RRA changes and what this means for students in halls
- Rules on rent in advance – different rules that apply to existing tenancies v new tenancies
- Ground 4A possession ground for qualifying student tenancies
- Tenant’s right to serve NTQ/ rent refunds.
12.00 - 12.10 Comfort break
12.10 - 13.00 Session 3: Understanding Common Law tenancies Robin Steward
- What should be in a well-constructed contract/ reviewing your contracts
- Terms implied by law
- Unfair terms in consumer contracts
- Code requirements re CLT terms.
- Dealing with tenant requests to leave early
- Other Code requirement e.g. deposit protection
- Ending a common law tenancy including early termination if tenant is in breach. Forfeiture procedure.
- Equality Act obligations
- Housing Act 2004 property licensing
13.00 - 14.00 Lunch Break
14.00 - 14.40 Session 4: Applying to join the National Code Jess Carrier
- Understanding membership criteria
- What is the commitment?
- Common pitfalls
14.40 - 14:50 Comfort break
14.50 - 15.50 Session 5: Q&A/ Discussion Sarah Cummins and Robin Steward
- Running through pre-submitted questions/ topics
- Questions on slides
15.50 - 16.00 Comfort break
16.00 - 16.30 Further Q&A and Discussion Sarah Cummins and Robin Steward
- Live questions/ questions asked from delegates on the day
16.30 - 16.35 Conclusion and Ends Victoria Tolmie-Loverseed
Speakers
Sarah Cummins, Partner, Antony Gold Solicitors
Partner at Anthony Gold Solicitors specialising in residential landlord and tenant law, with extensive experience advising landlords, housing providers, and accommodation operators.
Robin Stewart, Partner, Antony Gold Solicitors
Partner at Anthony Gold Solicitors specialising in property litigation, particularly landlord and tenant disputes and complex housing matters.
Jess Carrier, National Codes
Membership and Engagement Manager for the National Codes, supporting providers through the membership and application process while helping them understand and meet Code requirements.
Details
Delivered by leading housing law specialists Sarah Cummins and Robin Stewart of Anthony Gold Solicitors, together with Jess Carrier from the National Codes, this practical and informative conference will help providers navigate the new legal landscape with confidence.
During the day, we will explore:
- The key provisions of the Renters' Rights Act and their implications for PBSA operators
- How the student accommodation exemption works and the criteria providers must meet
- The role of National Code membership in accessing and maintaining the exemption
- Managing the transition from the current tenancy framework to the new regime
- Understanding common law tenancies and the challenges they can present
- Common pitfalls and mistakes identified across the sector, and how to avoid them
- Practical implementation considerations for providers and operational teams
- Interactive Q&A sessions and opportunities for discussion with legal experts
Who Should Attend?
This event is ideal for:
- Frontline staff responsible for issuing tenancy agreements and responding to student queries
- Operational teams managing tenancy processes and implementing legislative changes
- Senior managers and directors responsible for compliance, governance, and risk management
- Legal, compliance, and housing professionals working within PBSA
- Providers considering applying to join the National Codes
- Existing Code members seeking clarity on their obligations and the benefits of the exemption
Whether you are preparing for implementation, reviewing contracts, or assessing your organisation's compliance position, this event will provide essential guidance and practical insight.
Submit Your Questions
Delegates are encouraged to submit questions in advance to ensure the training addresses real-world challenges and operational concerns.
Email: nationalcode@unipol.org.uk
Cost of Attendance
This specialist training is delivered by experienced housing solicitors and has been priced to reflect the expert legal guidance provided.
- National Code Members and Friends of Unipol Training: £350
- Applicants to the National Codes: £350
- Non-members and other organisations: £395
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