The campaign group Generation Rent has voiced strong criticism of the Renters Reform Bill, arguing that it neglects the needs of student tenants.
Tilly Smith, a spokesperson for the organisation, expressed these concerns in an article published on Left Foot Forward, a website known for its progressive stance on political issues.
She describes the bill as the most significant change to renting laws in England in a generation. However, despite its wide-reaching implications, she believes it fails to address key issues affecting student renters.
According to Smith, students have been “sorely overlooked and excluded” from the proposed reforms. She argues that while the bill aims to strengthen tenant protections, it does not extend the same benefits to students, who often face unstable housing conditions.
One of the primary concerns raised is the exclusion of students from the reforms surrounding fixed-term tenancies. Many students rely on these agreements due to the academic calendar, but Smith suggests this leaves them vulnerable to exploitation.
She warns that landlords may still have the power to evict students at short notice or impose unfair rental terms, undermining the bill’s goal of creating a fairer rental market.
Generation Rent has long advocated for stronger tenant protections, including greater security for students, who often have limited bargaining power when dealing with landlords.
The group argues that without specific safeguards, students will continue to face challenges such as sudden rent increases, substandard housing, and a lack of stability in their accommodation.
While the Renters Reform Bill introduces measures to improve conditions for many tenants, Smith believes it does not go far enough in addressing the unique struggles faced by students.
Generation Rent is calling for further amendments to ensure student renters receive the same level of protection as other tenants under the new legislation.
Smith highlights findings from a recent National Union of Students (NUS) survey, which revealed that 84% of students have faced housing issues, with nearly half reporting problems like mould or mildew.
Beyond poor living conditions, she also points to what she describes as a “shocking affordability crisis” among students. According to the same survey, over a quarter struggle to afford their rent, while 17% have been forced to rely on food banks.
A major concern raised by Smith is the exclusion of students in university-owned housing and Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) from the Renters Reform Bill. She argues that these tenants will remain vulnerable to eviction, often with less than a month’s notice, leaving them with little time to find alternative housing.
Additionally, she criticises the Bill for allowing landlords to evict student tenants in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) at any time between June and September. This, she claims, could lead to students being forced out of their homes during one of the most critical periods of their academic year, particularly those preparing for final exams.
Smith warns that without further protections, students may continue to face unfair treatment from landlords. She suggests that under the proposed legislation, students could still be subject to “revenge evictions,” where landlords remove tenants as retaliation for asserting their rights.
Generation Rent has long advocated for stronger protections for student renters, arguing that the current system leaves them at a significant disadvantage. Smith believes that without amendments to the Bill, many students will continue to face housing insecurity and financial hardship.
She calls on the government to ensure that student tenants receive the same rights and protections as other private renters, particularly regarding eviction rules and affordability measures.
The group argues that failing to include students in these reforms not only places them at risk but also undermines the overall goal of the Renters Reform Bill—to create a fairer and more secure rental market.
Generation Rent continues to push for further changes to the legislation, urging policymakers to acknowledge the unique challenges faced by student renters.
The article concludes with strong criticism of the government, arguing that policymakers have largely ignored the needs of student renters.
It claims that those in positions of power have decided that students, particularly younger ones, do not require secure, high-quality housing where they feel safe and comfortable.
The piece urges action, emphasising that students must not be left behind in the reforms. Given their vulnerability, it argues they should be among those most in need of better protections.
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