Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by PropertyWire. Read the original article for full details.

Student Lettings Market Faces Timing Shift Due to New Law

Nearly half of student landlords intend to market their properties later than usual following the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act, according to research covering approximately 7,400 student properties. The survey by Accommodation for Students found that 45% of landlords plan to delay their traditional marketing schedule, marking a significant change in established sector practices.

Historically, student properties have been marketed in October and November for the following academic year, almost 12 months in advance. The shift in timing is attributed to Ground 4A, a new student possession ground that prevents landlords from signing tenancy agreements more than six months before the tenancy start date if they wish to rely on this provision for regaining possession.

The research found that 73% of landlords intend to use Ground 4A, while 65% were aware that signing tenancy agreements too early could affect their ability to use this provision. The change comes as part of wider reforms to the eviction process in the private rental sector.

Some landlords are expected to continue marketing properties in the autumn but delay contract signing until within the six-month window. However, this approach presents operational challenges, particularly due to holding deposit rules that limit how long prospective tenants can reserve a property before signing a tenancy agreement. This creates uncertainty about bridging the gap between securing tenant interest and completing compliant tenancies.

The findings indicate 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 strategies. The traditional advance marketing model has historically provided landlords with certainty that properties would be let before the academic year begins, but the six-month restriction under Ground 4A requires a recalibration of these long-established practices across the student accommodation sector.