The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 has officially passed Royal Assent — and while we’re still waiting to hear when it kicks in (spring 2026 maybe?), it’s set to transform how student housing works.
Here’s what this means for the student sector — and for us at Clever
Letting season will be changing
The new rules mean landlords can only repossess student HMOs between June and September if the tenancy started within six months of term time.
Expect marketing to shift to February — giving students more breathing room to find housemates and make smarter choices (we’re all for that).
More flexibility, more movement
With students able to leave mid-year, joint tenancies could fall out of favour. We’ll likely see more room-by-room lettings and mid-year swaps — which fits perfectly with our focus on flexibility and student-first service.
Pets, families, and inclusivity
No more blanket bans on pets or children — a win for postgrads, mature students, and anyone who wants a more homely setup. (Housemates still have to agree, of course!)
Guarantors become key
Upfront rent is now capped at one month, so having a reliable UK-based guarantor will be more important than ever — especially for international students.
Rents might rise
With greater flexibility comes a higher risk of voids. We may see rents adjust to reflect that — student rents are already up around 15% in the last two years.
At Clever, we see this as a big step forward. More freedom for students, a fairer market, and a chance to rethink how student renting really works.
What’s your take? Do you think this will make life easier for students — or harder for landlords? Or both? Let’s talk
hello@stayclever.co.uk // 01752 500 511