Students gain flexibility to leave tenancies early under new Renters' Rights Act, landlords warn of rent hikes

The Renters' Rights Act, which came into force in England in May, has ended fixed-term tenancies for students renting from private landlords. Students can now give two months' notice to leave a contract, breaking the previous requirement to stay for the full academic year. While this provides greater flexibility for students, landlords warn the change may lead to higher rents to offset risks of vacancy and void periods.