Student housing crisis fears grow as Renters’ Rights Bill looms

A group of leading student accommodation providers is calling on the UK Government to amend the Renters’ Rights Bill to prevent a worsening of the student housing crisis.

The Bill, which is currently making its way through Parliament and reaches its Committee stage today (Tuesday 22 Oct), could lead to a significant reduction in student housing supply and higher rents if left unchanged, it says.

The Student Accredited Private Rental Sector (SAPRS) has warned that the Bill’s ban on fixed-term tenancy agreements (FTTAs) for private student accommodation could force landlords to leave the market.

This is because FTTAs align with the cyclical nature of the academic year, providing both students and landlords with the necessary flexibility.

Introduction of the Renters’ Rights Bill

Calum MacInnes, the chair at SAPRS, said: “We were delighted to see the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Bill by the new government and support their ambition to overhaul the private rented sector.

“However, it’s crucial that students across the country don’t suffer from the reforms.”

He adds: “We will continue our warnings until students get the housing system they deserve.”

SAPRS is now urging the Government to ensure parity between purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and private student housing.

This would involve providing the student private rented sector with the same exemption as PBSA, provided they adhere to a government-approved code of conduct.

Better rental system for students

The group of leading second- and third-year university accommodation providers want a better rental system for students.

It points to the Bill’s Second Reading recently when a cross-party group of MPs highlighted the importance of student housing for their constituencies and the country more widely.

The Liberal Democrat spokesperson for housing and planning, Gideon Amos, warned of a potential ‘significant withdrawal of student housing from the market.

And the shadow minister for housing, David Simmonds, outlined the need to ensure there is ‘appropriate flexibility in respect of student properties’.

Structure of the student housing market

SAPRS says the Bill does not recognise the unique structure of the student housing market and fails to adequately deliver for students and student landlords.

Even without the Bill, one organisation is predicting a 490,000-bed shortfall in the student sector by 2026.

This will only get worse if the Bill passes as it currently stands, with landlords leaving the student market, leading to less supply and higher prices.

A negative precedent for this was created in Scotland, where, because of similar legislation, the student housing crisis has significantly worsened.

Share This Article