Renter's Rights Bill

The Government is planning big changes to the way renting works in England. These changes are being made through something called the Renters’ Rights Bill.

Right now, the Bill has not yet become law — it’s still going through Parliament. That means things could change before it’s finalised. But here’s what you need to know so far.

Where are we now?

September 2025

  • The Bill is not law yet. Until it receives Royal Assent (the final stage), the details could be altered or even dropped.

  • Universities, student groups, landlords, and organisations like Unipol are keeping a close eye on it.

  • Once passed, the changes will likely start coming into effect during the 2025/26 academic year.

What could change for students?

The Renters’ Rights Bill is designed to give renters more protection and make renting fairer. For students, this could affect:

  • Tenancy types: Fixed-term contracts are to be replaced with open-ended ones, where you can give 2 months notice when you want to leave.

  • Moving out: Landlords will have to use specific legal grounds (called “Grounds for Possession”) to ask tenants to leave, instead of simply ending a tenancy with a Section 21 “no fault” eviction notice, leaning the balance of rights to the tenant.

  • Rent increases: Landlords will only be allowed to increase rent once every 12 months, with clear notice periods.

  • Housing standards: A new Decent Homes Standard is expected, which means accommodation must meet certain minimum standards.

  • Deposits and fairness: Rules around deposit protection and returning deposits are being tightened, so students should find it easier to get money back.

  • Awaab’s Law – landlords will have strict deadlines to fix serious hazards like damp and mould, meaning faster and stronger action if your health could be at risk.

Why does this matter to you now?

  • If you’re a student signing a tenancy before the Bill becomes law, your tenancy is still under the current system (ASTs and fixed terms).
  • Once the law changes, new contracts will follow the new rules — so there may be a transitional period where your contract will become a different one 
  • Understanding your rights now will make it easier to navigate these changes later.

How Unipol can help

At Unipol, we:

  • Check contracts and explain the tricky jargon!
  • Advise students and parents on their rights and responsibilities.
  • Support complaints through the Unipol Code, if your landlord is accredited.
  • Provide up-to-date information as the Renters’ Rights Bill progresses, so you’ll always know where you stand.

What’s next?

  • Keep an eye on our updates — we’ll publish new guidance as soon as the law is confirmed.
  • If you’re confused or worried about how this might affect your housing, get in touch with Unipol’s Housing Hub.