Private student halls or shared accommodation?

Last updated: April 20, 2026

How to choose where to live as a student renter

Choosing where to live as a student is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make before the academic year starts. For many, the choice comes down to private halls or shared accommodation.

Both options can work well – but they offer very different experiences, costs and levels of flexibility. With changes to renting rules coming into force from 1 May 2026, it’s also important to understand how your rights may differ depending on where you live.

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, shared student houses are more likely to be covered by the new rules, while many private halls are exempt, meaning tenancy terms can work differently.

What are private halls?

Private halls (also known as purpose‑built student accommodation or PBSA) are buildings designed specifically for students and run by private providers rather than universities.

They often offer:

• Ensuite rooms or studios
• On‑site facilities like study spaces or gyms
• A managed environment with staff on site

How renting rules apply

Many private halls are exempt from the Renters’ Rights Act if they’re registered under the National Code for Student Accommodation. This means they can:

• Continue offering fixed‑term contracts aligned to the academic year
• Require students to leave at the end of the contract

Not all private halls are exempt, so it’s important to check what type of agreement you’re being offered.

What is shared accommodation?

Shared accommodation usually means renting a house or flat with other students from a private landlord or letting agent. This often includes Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), where three or more unrelated tenants live together.

Shared accommodation can offer:

• Lower rent compared to private halls
• More independence
• A wider choice of locations

How renting rules apply

From 1 May 2026, most shared student homes will be covered by the Renters’ Rights Act, meaning:

• Tenancies will move to open‑ended (rolling) rather than fixed term, also called Assured Periodic Tenancies
• Landlords can’t use ‘no‑fault’ evictions
• Students can leave by giving two months’ notice

Which option gives you more flexibility?

• Shared accommodation generally offers more flexibility to leave early, thanks to rolling tenancies.
• Private halls tend to have fixed contracts that run for the full academic year.

If flexibility is important to you, it’s worth paying close attention to the tenancy type before signing.

Which is more affordable?

Costs vary by city and property type, but:

• Private halls often cost more, and may have bills included
• Shared accommodation can be cheaper overall, but bills are usually separate

Always compare the total monthly cost, not just the headline rent.

Things to think about before choosing

Ask yourself:

• Do I want a fixed academic‑year contract or more flexibility?
• Is budget or convenience more important?
• Do I prefer a managed student environment or a more independent setup?
• How long do I plan to stay in the property?

Find out more about the benefits of renting through an agent here.

FAQs

• Will I still have to move out at the end of the academic year?

  It depends on where you live. Many private halls and university‑owned accommodation can still offer fixed‑term contracts that end after the academic year. In shared student houses, tenancies will switch to rolling, Assured Periodic Tenancies, in line with Renters’ Rights Act changes.

• Are private halls affected by the Renters’ Rights Act?

  Some are, some aren’t. Many private halls are exempt from the new rules if they’re registered under the National Code for Student Accommodation. This means they can continue to use fixed‑term contracts.
  If a private hall isn’t exempt, the new renting rules are more likely to apply.

• Can I leave a shared student house early?

  From May 2026, most students in shared accommodation can leave by giving two months’ notice, as long as the notice is valid.
  If you’re on a joint tenancy, one person giving notice may end the tenancy for everyone, so it’s important to understand how your agreement works.

• Can landlords still increase rent each year?

  Yes, but rent increases are limited. From May 2026, landlords can increase rent no more than once a year and must follow the correct process.