The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 generally exempts Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) operated by approved providers from the shift to periodic tenancies. These providers can continue using fixed-term contracts to align with academic years. However, the rules for students in PBSA differ depending on whether the provider is registered with a government-approved code of practice.
What is PBSA?
Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) refers to housing specifically designed and constructed for university students offering modern amenities like gyms and managed professionally. Examples are those managed by private providers such as Unite and Canvas.
What are the main changes for students in PBSAs?
As mentioned above, PBSA providers who are members of an approved code of practice (such as ANUK/Unipol) are largely exempt from the main tenancy reforms of the Act. Their agreements can continue to be fixed-term (aligned with the academic year) and are considered common law tenancies, not the new 'assured periodic tenancies'. The code of practice will be really important. It will give students the right to terminate their contracts in certain circumstances and it will also give the right to make complaints.
Important: These changes are not in force yet and will apply differently to those already living in private halls. These changes are expected to come into force on 1 May 2026. However, students already living in halls on 1 May 2026 will not fall within the exemption and on 1 May 2026 their tenancy will convert to a rolling contract like students living outside of halls. The exemption is expected to apply to new tenancies granted by PBSAs after 1 May 2026.
How about Non-Exempt Accommodation?
PBSA providers not in an approved code (like ANUK/Unipol) lose their exemption meaning they must move from fixed-term to assured periodic tenancies from 1st May 2026. Tenants gain the ability to give notice, stricter limits on rent increases and higher standards.
How do I check if a PSBA provider is a member of an approved code?
- Search by Member: The National Code member directory allows you to search by the management company name.
- Search by Property: The National Code list of developments also allows searching by location which makes it easier to see if the specific development/building where you are living is covered.
- Look for Branding: Accredited providers often display the National Code logo on their websites or in marketing materials.
- Verify with Unipol: If still unsure, you can contact Unipol to ask them.
If a provider is not listed in these databases, they are likely not complying with approved, voluntary codes designed to ensure high-quality, managed, and safe student housing.