Last updated: April 20, 2026<\/p>\n\n
Choosing where to live as a student is one of the biggest decisions you\u2019ll make before the academic year starts. For many, the choice comes down to private halls or shared accommodation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both options can work well \u2013 but they offer very different experiences, costs and levels of flexibility. With changes to renting rules coming into force from 1 May 2026, it\u2019s also important to understand how your rights may differ depending on where you live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Under the Renters\u2019 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Private halls (also known as purpose\u2011built student accommodation or PBSA) are buildings designed specifically for students and run by private providers rather than universities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They often offer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many private halls are exempt from the Renters\u2019 Rights Act if they\u2019re registered under the National Code for Student Accommodation. This means they can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not all private halls are exempt, so it\u2019s important to check what type of agreement you\u2019re being offered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shared accommodation can offer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From 1 May 2026, most shared student homes will be covered by the Renters\u2019 Rights Act, meaning:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If flexibility is important to you, it\u2019s worth paying close attention to the tenancy type before signing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Costs vary by city and property type, but:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Always compare the total monthly cost, not just the headline rent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Find out more about the benefits of renting through an agent here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It depends on where you live. Many private halls and university\u2011owned accommodation can still offer fixed\u2011term contracts that end after the academic year. In shared student houses, tenancies will switch to rolling, Assured Periodic Tenancies, in line with Renters\u2019 Rights Act changes.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n Some are, some aren\u2019t. Many private halls are exempt from the new rules if they\u2019re registered under the National Code for Student Accommodation. This means they can continue to use fixed\u2011term contracts. From May 2026, most students in shared accommodation can leave by giving two months\u2019 notice, as long as the notice is valid. 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.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n\n\n FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Will I still have to move out at the end of the academic year?<\/h3>\n
Are private halls affected by the Renters\u2019 Rights Act?<\/h3>\n
\nIf a private hall isn\u2019t exempt, the new renting rules are more likely to apply.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n Can I leave a shared student house early?<\/h3>\n
\nIf you\u2019re on a joint tenancy, one person giving notice may end the tenancy for everyone, so it\u2019s important to understand how your agreement works.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n Can landlords still increase rent each year?<\/h3>\n
\n Find student property to rent<\/span> <\/h2>\n \n