1 or 2 Bed Homes

Here are the specific changes for students living in a smaller flat with 1-2 people (i.e. not an HMO) from 1 May 2026:

1. Tenancy Structure: Move to Periodic (Rolling) Contracts 

• End of Fixed Terms: Existing and new fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) will convert to Assured Periodic Tenancies (APTs).
• Rolling Basis: Tenancies will run on a weekly or monthly basis without a fixed end date, meaning students are not locked in for a full year.
• Tenant Flexibility: Students can terminate their tenancy at any time by serving at least two months' notice.
• Joint Tenancy Risk: In a joint contract one tenant can serve notice to end the tenancy for everyone in the house. 

 

2. Financial and Other Changes

• Ban on Large Rent in Advance: Landlords cannot demand large, multi-month upfront payments (e.g., a whole year's rent). Only up to one month's rent can be required in advance.
• Rent Increases: Rent can only be increased once per year with two months' notice.
• No-Fault Evictions Ban: Section 21 "no-fault" evictions are abolished. Now landlords can only evict you if they have a valid legal reason, which must be proven in court.
• Pets: Tenants have the right to request a pet, which landlords cannot unreasonably refuse.

Nb the new mandatory possession Ground 4A does not apply.