Nearly half (45%) of student landlords plan to market their properties later in the academic year as they adjust to changes under the Renters’ Rights Act.

The long-established student lettings cycle, which sees landlords market properties as early as October for the following academic year, gave landlords confidence that properties would be let before the start of the academic year.

However, those wanting to rely on the new student possession Ground 4A – meaning that they can’t sign tenancy agreements more than six months before the tenancy begins - are now having to reconsider when they market properties and enter into tenancy agreements.

According to a poll of landlords representing 7,400 student properties by Accommodation for Students, almost three-quarters (73%) plan to use Ground 4A. While some are expected to delay marketing altogether, others are likely to continue advertising properties during the traditional autumn period but postpone signing tenancy agreements until they fall within the six-month window.

Practical

However, this creates practical challenges, says director and founder Simon Thompson, who says holding deposit rules mean landlords can’t simply reserve properties indefinitely before a tenancy agreement is signed, creating a gap between identifying prospective tenants and entering into a legally compliant tenancy.

The findings suggest that while October and November are likely to remain important months for student property searches, more accommodation could become available later in the academic year as landlords adjust their marketing strategies.

Enable

Accommodation for Students has come up with a pre-let agreement designed to enable landlords and students commit to a property before the tenancy agreement is signed, while remaining compliant with the new legislation.

“Landlords still want certainty that properties are let ahead of the academic year, while students also want reassurance that their accommodation is secured,” adds Thompson. “Our pre-let agreement solution is designed to help bridge that gap, giving both parties greater confidence while ensuring the tenancy itself is entered into at the appropriate time under the new legislation.”

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