The Government is under mounting pressure to amend its proposed Renters’ Rights Bill, as key players in the student accommodation sector warn that the legislation could severely disrupt the availability of housing for university students.

Currently making its way through the House of Lords, the Bill aims to overhaul the private rented sector (PRS) by abolishing Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, ending fixed-term tenancies, and introducing a range of new renter protections. While broadly welcomed for improving tenant security, the legislation has sparked alarm among student housing providers who say it could destabilise the academic rental cycle.

The Student Accredited Private Rental Sector (SAPRS) – a coalition of second- and third-year student accommodation providers – has reiterated its warnings, stating that the removal of fixed-term tenancies would unravel a rental model that aligns with academic calendars and offers security for both students and landlords.

Calum MacInnes, chair of SAPRS stated “By dismantling this system, the Bill risks reducing housing availability, creating uncertainty, and disrupting a market that has long functioned effectively.

“Students are already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. Without clear protections in place, access to higher education could be irreparably harmed.”

Two major industry bodies, Propertymark and the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), have echoed these concerns. Propertymark has called for the retention of fixed-term tenancy options for student landlords to ensure housing availability each academic year. The NRLA is urging a cross-party amendment to expand the Government’s proposed possession ground to all student properties, including one and two bedroom units, which make up a third of student housing.

Ben Beadle, NRLA Chief Executive, stressed the urgency: “Without these constructive changes, students will find it harder to plan where they will live.”

Simon Thompson, Managing Director of Accommodation for Students, warned that the move to periodic tenancies “threatens the predictable cycle of student lets.” He called for modest amendments to safeguard the student rental model “These tweaks would strengthen the Bill and help maintain a viable student housing sector.”

Beyond student housing, the Renters’ Rights Bill proposes sweeping reforms to the PRS. These include measures to ban rental bidding wars, prevent discrimination against tenants with children or those on benefits, extend Awaab’s Law to private rentals to enforce damp and mould prevention, and implement a new Decent Homes Standard. A PRS Ombudsman and landlord database are also set to be introduced to promote accountability.

However, stakeholders warn that the abolition of Section 21 could significantly strain the court system. Liberal Democrat housing spokesperson Baroness Thornhill has tabled an amendment calling for a formal review of court capacity, citing the housing minister’s admission that the system is “on its knees.”

In a related move, a former Number 10 legal adviser has proposed reversing the Bill’s relaxation of rent arrears thresholds, arguing it may deter landlords from letting to vulnerable tenants and increase tenant indebtedness.