Renters’ Rights Bill will limit access to higher education

Planned reforms to the private rented sector will stifle access to higher education and limit social mobility.

That’s the warning from a coalition of student housing providers and property portals as members of the House of Lords prepare to debate Renters’ Rights Bill today.

The Bill will end fixed term tenancy agreements, posing a threat to the annual cycle of the student housing market. 

The Government’s reforms will mean all one- and two-bedroom student homes will fall outside of measures to protect the yearly cycle of the rest of the market. Based on data held by the groups, it means that there will be no guarantee that at least a fifth of all existing student housing will be available to rent at the start of each academic year. 

In a letter to the Higher Education Minister, Baroness Smith, the organisations warn that unless changes are made, many students will be unable to access the housing they need, limiting their higher education options. 

Alongside this, plans to restrict the payment of rent in advance will make it near impossible for international students without a UK credit history to prove their ability to sustain a tenancy and pay their rents. 

UK based students also face uncertainty about if, and when, they will be able to pay their rent termly. This will cause considerable disruption for those who find paying on such a basis easier to manage their finances. 

In a joint statement to accompany the letter the National Residential Landlords Association, Accommodation for Students, Homes for Students, StuRents and the Young Group, said:

“It is staggering that there is no guarantee that at least one fifth of all student housing will be available to rent at the start of each academic year.

“The changes will ultimately prove to be counterproductive, increasing uncertainty and financial anxiety amongst student tenants. All it will lead to is chaos and confusion for students, making it harder for them to secure housing and ultimately restricting options for higher education.  

“We call on the Government and Peers to act to protect the availability of all student housing.” 

-ENDS-

Notes:

•    The NRLA’s press office can be contacted by emailing [email protected] or by calling 0300 131 6363.

•    The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is the UK's largest membership organisation for private residential landlords in England and Wales.

•    Accommodation for Students, and StuRents are portals to search for student housing across the country.  

•    Homes for Students is an operator of student accommodation across the UK.

•    Young Group is a private rented sector consultancy