Types of Tenancies

If you live in a student house or flat that is not in a purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), your tenancy agreement is generally an Assured Periodic Tenancy

What is an Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT)?

An APT is:

  • A rolling tenancy.
  • Usually month-to-month.
  • Not fixed-term.
  • Paid monthly unless another arrangement is agreed.

 

Can Students Leave an APT?

Yes.

You can normally end the tenancy by providing a minimum of two months' notice.

 

Can Landlords End an APT Whenever They Want?

No.

Landlords must rely on specific legal grounds to regain possession. Usually for students this will be by using Ground 4A, a mandatory possession ground under Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988 (as amended by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025).

 

What if I Signed My Tenancy Before 1 May 2026?

If you have signed an agreement before 1 May 2026 you are likely to have held an:

Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)

Most ASTs converted automatically into Assured Periodic Tenancies (APTs) on 1 May 2026.

However, some exceptions may apply if A valid Section 21 notice was served before 1 May 2026.

If you're unsure, seek advice by contacting Unipol’s Advice Service at info@unipol.org.uk or your Students' Union Advice Service

 

If you live in a Purpose-Built Student Accommodation your tenancy agreement is generally a Common Law Tenancy, however if you signed an Assured Shorthold Tenancy prior to 1st May 2026, you may now have an Assured Periodic Tenancy. Find out more below

What is Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)?

PBSA refers to purpose-built student accommodation operated by specialist providers.

Examples include:

  • Student apartment complexes.
  • Student halls run by private companies.
  • Studio accommodation developments.

 

What is a Common Law Tenancy?

A CLT is:

  • Fixed-term tenancy and not covered by the Housing Act 1988.  
  • Linked to the academic year.
  • Subject to the terms set out in the accommodation contract and the National Code.

 

Can I Leave Common Law Tenancy Early?

Only in limited circumstances. Under the National Code you are permitted to end your Common Law Tenancy early if you drop out of university or suspend your studies for over 60 days due to illness. You will have to give 4 weeks’ notice and proof of leaving university.

 

How Do I Know if My Accommodation Provider Belongs to the National Code?

You can ask your provider directly or check through the National Code Members List.

 

What Happens if I Live in a PBSA and Signed Before 1 May 2026?

If you signed an AST before 1 May 2026, your tenancy may have converted into an APT.

This means:

  • The tenancy becomes rolling.
  • Previous fixed end dates may no longer automatically apply.
  • You can end the tenancy by giving at least two months' notice in writing.

 

What Happens if I Signed a PBSA Contract After 1 May 2026?

Students signing PBSA agreements on or after 1 May 2026 will often have:

  • A Common Law Tenancy; or
  • A Licence Agreement.

 

Some of these specialist providers operate a Licence Agreement rather than a Common Law Tenancy

What is a Licence Agreement?

A Licence Agreement is:

  • A fixed term agreement
  • Your deposit is not required to be protected in a deposit protection scheme
  • The landlord may enter your room without giving prior notice
  • You do not have exclusive possession of the property, and the landlord has the right to change your room at any time.
  • The landlord can end the agreement without a court order, although they are expected to provide reasonable notice
  • The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 does not apply to this type of agreement.

 

If you live in a university owned or operated student Halls of Residence, your tenancy agreement is likely to be a Licence Agreement.

What Are My Rights if I Live in University Accommodation?

University-owned accommodation usually involves:

  • A fixed-term agreement.
  • Occupation for an academic year.
  • Limited ability to end the contract early.

Students will normally have exclusive use of their room and shared access to common areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.

University staff may enter shared areas for management purposes; they do not have to provide notice before entering. But they will most likely provide notice where possible before entering individual bedrooms except in emergencies.

 

What if I Live with My Landlord?

If you live in the same property as the owner and share facilities, your rights may differ from those of tenants in separate accommodation.

You may be:

A lodger

If the owner can freely access your room.

An excluded tenant

If you have exclusive use of a lockable room.

These arrangements can be legally complex, so seek advice if problems arise.

 

Still unsure about what type of contract you’re on? Or, still have some questions about your contract?

You can get your contract checked.

It is always good to get your contract checked before singing.

Get Your Contract Checked

We offer a free contract checking service. There is space to ask us any questions about your contract, so if you are unsure about any part of your contract, we can help to explain this to you.

Your University’s Students’ Union advisors can also check your contract for you.

Many Unipol Code landlords are now using the Unipol Model Tenancy Agreement.  This contract offers clearly understandable terms and is recommended by the Students' Unions.