Renters Reform Update: Government considering developing specific grounds for student accommodation

by Patrick Garratt - 10th June 2023

Rachel Maclean MP, the UK’s Housing Minister (15th in 10 years…), recently advised that the government is considering “developing a ground that would guarantee vacant possession to let to students at the start of each academic year”.

This news was shared prior to a round-table discussion about student housing on Thursday set up discuss the future of student lettings in the wake of the Renters’ Reform Bill publication.  Key attendees included Ben Beadle and James Wood from NRLA, as well as representatives from Universities UK and Unipol. They discussed a new proposal called

The NRLA agrees with landlords and agents in the student property sectors who are concerned about the chaos the new legislation will cause, and suggests that this change could harm the student housing market referencing the future availability of student accommodation, especially since many cities already struggle to house their student populations.

Further, data from the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) show that there might be a million higher education applicants by 2030. This potential increase in demand further underlines the importance of addressing housing needs for students.

Scotland’s experience also warns of potential issues. After similar changes were implemented, many landlords stopped renting to students. As a result, many universities are dealing with a student housing crisis, and some students can’t accept places at universities because they can’t find somewhere to live.

Reference: Government considering possession ground for student lets | NRLA