Assured shorthold tenancy agreements (ASTs)

The legislation gained Royal Assent on 27 October 2025. Implementation will be staged via secondary legislation, and the UK Government has stated it will allow time for a smooth transition and engage the sector on commencement dates. Propertymark has hit the ground running, with training, events, and downloadable resources to support the sector through the most significant transition in private renting for a generation.

The Renters’ Rights Bill could upend the entire student housing cycle. Gone are fixed-term contracts. In their place: rolling tenancies with just two months' notice. For the student market — built on predictability — it risks creating instability that the market hasn’t seen in decades. Propertymark Industry Supplier, Rent Guarantor, explores how landlords and letting agents can adapt, and a safety net that might help them land a little softer.

On 8 September 2025, MPs debated the Renters’ Rights Bill as it returned to the House of Commons for the Ping-Pong Stage — when amendments made by the House of Lords are considered. This was a crucial step in determining whether the Bill will pass to Royal Assent before the end of the year. The Commons reviewed and responded to a series of amendments, many of which reflected concerns raised by industry and campaigners. While some technical changes were accepted, the UK Government signalled its determination to press ahead with the central reforms.

For agents in England working with landlords in this specialist market, it is vital to understand the changes, the risks, and the opportunities ahead. Propertymark has been campaigning hard to ensure student housing is not undermined by reforms designed for the wider private rented sector (PRS). The loss of fixed terms is the single biggest risk for this market, and we continue to fight for workable solutions that protect the annual student lettings cycle.