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Student Tenancy

PBSA (University Halls or Private Student Blocks): Generally exempt from the new rolling tenancy rules. If you sign a contract here, it remains a fixed-term contract for the academic year. You cannot easily give two months' notice unless you find a replacement.

Private Student HMOs (Shared Houses): Renting a standard house with friends means you are in an HMO. Under the new laws, these function as rolling periodic tenancies, meaning you can technically give two months' notice to leave.

If all joint tenants are full-time students in a private HMO, landlords can use a "Ground 4A" notice to ensure they get the property back for the next academic year.

• The Notice: Allows repossession with four months' notice ending between June 1 and September 30.
• Prior Warning: The landlord must have provided a written statement before the tenancy started stating they might use this eviction ground.

When signing a contract for a shared house with friends, you usually sign a Joint Tenancy Agreement.

You are all treated as a single entity and are "jointly and severally liable" for rent and property damage. If one housemate stops paying, the landlord can legally demand that you (and your guarantors) cover the missing share. Only sign with people you trust.

Since students often lack full-time income, a UK-based guarantor (usually a parent) is required to cover rent if you fail to pay.

International Students: If you cannot provide a UK guarantor, you may be asked for up to 6 to 12 months of rent in advance, or you can use a private guarantor service for a fee.