A lettings agency chief claims some landlords are relying on potentially misleading advice caused by confusion over the Renters Rights Act (RRA).
Fern Tebbutt, director of operations at student accommodation specialist loc8me, says: “Parts of the legislation which feel like common sense for ordinary private landlords don’t fit the challenges student landlords see. There has been a lack of guidance, which is affecting their ability to manage their properties smoothly.
“Many are now relying on social media commentary, online forums or outdated guidance. Getting the process wrong could result in delayed possession, unnecessary void periods and lost rental income.
loc8me has reported an increase in enquiries from property owners since the legislation came into effect, in particular from self-managing landlords trying to understand what the changes mean in practice and whether some of the concerns circulating within the sector are justified.
The increase has been most noticeable in Nottingham, Leeds, Manchester, Bristol and Liverpool, where landlords are already navigating wider market pressures and increasingly complex compliance requirements.
Ground 4A
Among the issues raised most frequently with loc8me is Ground 4A, the new possession ground for certain student HMOs.
“Some landlords believe it applies to all student properties, when in reality, one and two-bedroom student properties are exempt” adds Tebbutt.
“If the notice is not served correctly, or the tenancy documentation is not handled within the correct timescales, landlords could find themselves unable to rely on the ground when they need to recover possession ahead of a new academic year.”
Students Leaving Early
Concerns about students leaving accommodation part way through the academic year remain a persistent issue for landlords.
One of the most common misconceptions raised with the agency is that students can simply walk away from a tenancy whenever they choose.
In reality, tenants must still provide at least two months’ notice and follow the correct legal process before bringing a tenancy to an end.
While the reforms introduce greater flexibility, fears of widespread mid-year departures may be overstated, particularly as students have traditionally prioritised certainty over where they will live during the academic year.
Regaining Possession
Some property owners have come away with the impression that the abolition of Section 21 means they have lost their ability to regain possession altogether.
Tebbutt comments: “The legislation changes how possession is obtained, but it does not remove landlords’ rights.
“Responsible landlords still have protections available to them, but they need to understand the correct processes and make sure they are followed properly.”
The agency says uncertainty around possession remains one of the main reasons landlords are seeking reassurance, particularly those managing properties themselves without professional support.
Student Demand
Fears that the reforms will trigger a mass student departure may also be overstated, she insists.
Research into the UK’s largest student cities found there are around 2.7 students competing for every available purpose-built student accommodation bed, underlining the continued demand for student housing.
“The student market operates differently to the wider private rented sector. Students plan around academic calendars, friendship groups and university life. While the legislation introduces more flexibility, most students still want stability during their studies.”
And she continues: “We’re seeing landlords questioning whether they have the time, knowledge and resources to manage their properties compliantly under the new regime.
“Many are now looking at professional management for the first time because they want reassurance that the correct processes are being followed.
“The majority of landlords we speak to are not looking for the exit door. They are looking for guidance.”
