Student landlords face particular challenges with the upcoming changes. Below are some of the key issues members have been raising.
2 months’ notice
Tenants can give 2 months’ notice to quit at any time during the tenancy. This will create more movement within student house shares. Landlords will need to accept this, advertise the vacancy, and hope it can be filled with another student tenant.
The tenant’s notice must be in writing (letter, email, text, etc. are all acceptable), and the notice period must end on the last day or first day of a rental period.
Students may time their notice to coincide with the end of their exams, which could leave landlords with a void period. This may also affect Council Tax liability.
No fixed term
Landlords are not allowed to enter into fixed tenancy periods or suggest fixed periods. This will be challenging when letting to students and setting expectations.
Serving notice to end the tenancy
Student landlords can use Section 8, Student Ground 4A, which requires 4 months’ notice. During the transition period, this notice period is reduced to 2 months. You may serve this notice from 01 May 2026.
You must serve a pre‑notice of intention to use Ground 4A before serving the actual notice. You can use the SWLA document titled ‘Student Ground 4A Written Statement Under the Renters’ Rights Act’.
Even with this ground available, possession is not granted quickly. The court process is complex and lengthy, so it is unlikely that possession would be granted in time for new students arriving.
No rent in advance
For tenancies entered into (signed by all parties) from 01 May 2026, landlords cannot request more than one month’s rent in advance.
Landlords cannot request or even hint at termly rent payments. If a tenant chooses to pay termly, the landlord may accept it — but great care must be taken to ensure it is genuinely tenant‑initiated.
Scheduling maintenance between tenancies
This may become difficult if landlords do not know when tenants will leave.
Advice
If you need guidance on serving notices or understanding what you can and cannot do from 01 May 2026, contact the SWLA office and we can talk you through your options.