Students and the Renter’s Rights Bill

Posted on: Friday, November 22nd, 2024

Renter’s Rights or Renter’s Risks? Why the Bill Could Spell Trouble for Students

The Renter’s Rights Bill has recently passed its second reading in parliament. While it has positive ramifications for renters in general, this is not quite the case for students.

Housing is already a struggle for students and the bill in its current state risks compounding the issue by decreasing the number of student houses in a market which is already barely providing enough. The GMSP is passionate about ensuring students in Greater Manchester have access to accommodation which is good quality yet not overpriced. Keep an eye out for future events the GMSP is hosting about housing if this is an issue which also resonates with you. We are here to make your voice count.

Fixed-Term Tenancies Abolished: What It Means for Student Housing

The main selling point of the Renter’s Rights Bill is the abolishment of Section 21. This means that fixed term tenancies will be coming to an end. So, renters can give their two months’ notice from the first day they start the tenancy. This affects students as they will now be able to give in their notice that they want to move out as early as they need to. For instance, if they want to move out as soon as exams are over, they will be perfectly within their rights to do that. However, this risks landlords regularly having their properties empty over the summer, a significant loss in revenue. This is exacerbated by the fact that their properties will be liable to council tax if students are no longer living there.

However, while renters have more agency in deciding when they terminate their tenancy, students still do not have security in regard to when their tenancy ends. Landlords will still have the power to evict students in the summer with four months’ notice. This fundamentally means students still do not have the same rights as every citizen. Also, if you are a mature student who decides to study later in life, your rights could change mid-contract. This highlights the double standards in the renting industry.

Affordability in Crisis: Will Student Housing Become a Luxury?

While the loss in revenue is not ideal, the real problem is the alternatives many landlords will turn to. They could preempt students moving out early by substantially increasing rents. This would disproportionately disadvantage more vulnerable students. Another option is that landlords could decide the student market is no longer worth the hassle and turn to more profitable tenant groups. Any drop in the market could be disastrous for students as there is nowhere else for them to go. According to CBRE, 4,745 beds have been delivered in Manchester since 2018 but the need for purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) has since grown by 8,100. However, PBSA is not a sufficient solution. They are not being built at a fast enough rate to cater for a rise in demand and, in addition, they are not affordable enough to be a viable option for every student.

There are a few other interesting points for students in the Renter’s Rights Bill, especially regarding PBSA. If the property is rented to students, landlords can seek possession before the new academic year starts, as long as this is made clear before the contract is signed. Another change is that all landlords will be required to be registered on a government database. This would stop properties going above market rate due to high demand. However, it is expected that a different arrangement will be made for PBSA. Either way, the nature of student housing means that the frequent turnover will allow student landlords to increase rent at higher-than-average rates.

Lobbying for Change: Greater Manchester Students Push for Housing Reform

MMU Officers represented Greater Manchester students in parliament as part of the National Lobbying Day in October. They met with Afzal Khan, the Labour MP for Manchester Rusholme and Jeff Smith, the Labour MP for Manchester Withington, to highlight the unique position that students occupy in regard to housing. The current arrangement negatively affects students who are already vulnerable, like estranged or international students. This is exacerbated by the requirement that students must have guarantors who own property in the UK. The GMSP is working with officers at the five student unions to tackle this issue and create living situations which are more sustainable for students.

The GMSP is aiming to make Greater Manchester the best place for students to live. If you have a story to tell, want advice on an issue, or just want to learn more about our work, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Written by Penny Hampden-Turner