1 or 2 Bed Homes

Here are the main changes introduced by the Renters Rights Act for students living in a smaller flat with 1-2 people (i.e. not an HMO):

1. Move to Periodic Contracts 

• End of Fixed Terms: Existing and new tenancies will be Assured Periodic Tenancies (APTs).
• Rolling Basis: Tenancies will run on a weekly or monthly basis without a fixed end date, meaning you are not locked in for a full year.
• Tenant Flexibility: You can terminate your tenancy at any time by serving at least two months' notice. Make sure you give notice in the correct way (in writing) and for the correct period (linked to a rental period). Here's a more detailed guide to giving 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 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.

IMPORTANT the mandatory possession Ground 4A does not apply to students living in a smaller flat with 1-2 people.