New Government guidance on student tenancies has been welcomed by the National Residential Landlords Association, which Chief Executive Ben Beadle (pictured) says will help prevent disruption in the student housing market when the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force on 1 May 2026.
It confirms how the new student possession ground (Ground 4A) will operate, including a one-off transitional period which allows landlords of student HMOs with tenancies signed before 1 May 2026 to serve two months’ notice between 1 May and 31 July 2026, instead of the usual four. Landlords, though, must notify tenants by 31 May 2026 that they may use Ground 4A to seek possession.
temporary change
The temporary change is designed to help landlords moving from fixed-term contracts to the new periodic tenancy system regain possession in time for the September student intake; after 31 July 2026, the standard four-month notice period will apply.
The NRLA says the changes are the result of its extensive campaigning, which raised concerns that the shift away from fixed terms risked disrupting the annual student lettings cycle.
It is positive that the Government has taken on board our pragmatic concerns about the workability of a key aspect of the Act.”
Beadle says: “It is positive that the Government has taken on board our pragmatic concerns about the workability of a key aspect of the Act.
“There was a very real prospect that tens of thousands of students could have been denied access to the housing they need from September, as landlords would have been unable to regain possession of properties in time.
“The guidance issued today provides welcome clarity that will avoid such chaos.”
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