Student rental market, what letting agents need to know

A proposed rent increase can lead to a smaller rise or even a reduction in the rent already payable. We have examined four recent First-tier Tribunal decisions made in August and September 2026 involving properties in Leeds, Manchester, Ashton-under-Lyne, and London. Each shows how the property’s market rental value was assessed and highlights why letting agents and landlords need clear rental evidence, accurate property descriptions, and a realistic assessment of condition.

The UK Government has published details of its new ‘Register your rental property’ service, which will be introduced across England in stages starting this winter. Registration will begin in the West Midlands, with the rest of England following on a regional timetable. Propertymark is in continued contact with officials from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to clarify the role of agents in the process and to directly raise questions and concerns from our members.

The Online Procedure Rule Committee has published a draft practice direction for a new digital service for County Court possession proceedings in England and Wales. Letting agents are unlikely to use the service in its first phase unless they work with an eligible social landlord. However, the pilot signals the direction of travel for possession proceedings.

As thousands of students prepare to begin university and move into new accommodation, letting agents must have a clear understanding of how the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 has changed the student market so they can effectively support landlords and tenants. Planning is also beginning for the 2027-28 academic year, making the rules and timelines for regaining possession especially important.