International Students and Mature Students: The Position in 2026
International students and mature students seeking accommodation in the UK face unique challenges beyond those of typical tenants due to their specific circumstances. These individuals must deal with legal requirements, financial constraints, and cultural differences while ensuring they comply with landlord expectations. In 2026, the situation for both groups has shifted significantly with the introduction of new legislation like the Renters' Rights Act 2025 (RRA 2025), which aims to provide greater protection and clarity for tenants.
What the Law Says
Several key statutes apply to international students and mature students. The Housing Act 1988 sections 8, 13, and 21 cover aspects of tenancy agreements, eviction procedures, and notice requirements respectively. Section 8 allows landlords to seek possession of a property if there are breaches of the agreement; section 13 governs the notice periods required for rent increases or changes in the terms of the lease; and section 21 provides grounds for no-fault evictions.
the Housing Act 2004 sections 213-215 address fire safety regulations that landlords must adhere to. The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (section 11) outlines maintenance responsibilities for both parties in the tenancy agreement. Under the Deregulation Act 2015, section 33 abolished letting agents' fees, ensuring these costs aren't passed on to tenants regardless of their nationality or age.
The Tenant Fees Act 2019 further prohibits landlords and letting agents from charging upfront payments for tenancies beyond deposits, which is important given the financial burdens many international students face. These laws collectively aim to provide a framework that supports all tenants, particularly those who might be at a disadvantage due to their status or background.
How the Renters' Rights Act 2025 Changes This
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (RRA 2025) has significantly altered the situation for international and mature students in several ways. Firstly, it abolishes section 21 notices, removing landlords' ability to give no-fault evictions except under specific circumstances such as a change of use or sale of the property.
RRA 2025 mandates that all tenancies are periodic from day one, meaning tenants don't need to sign rolling contracts. This ensures consistency and fairness in rent reviews, which were previously subject to annual caps via Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988.
The Decent Homes Standard has been extended to apply to private rented sector (PRS) properties, ensuring that all homes meet basic standards of repair, heating, and safety. Awaab's Law, originally aimed at social housing, is now applicable to private landlords, obliging them to ensure their properties are fit for human habitation.
A new PRS Ombudsman has been established to provide an independent body for dispute resolution between tenants and landlords. all landlords must register with a PRS Database before they can let any property, promoting transparency and accountability within the sector.
What This Means for Tenants
Under RRA 2025, international students and mature students are expected to enjoy more secure tenancies due to stricter regulations on no-fault evictions. They may be entitled to a longer notice period before rent increases can occur, typically 12 months under the Housing Act 1988 (section 13), providing greater stability.
Tenants should review their contracts thoroughly and understand their rights regarding deposit returns, maintenance responsibilities, and fire safety standards. If they experience issues such as damp or poor heating, tenants may be entitled to request repairs within a reasonable timeframe according to the Decent Homes Standard.
It's also important for tenants to familiarise themselves with local council environmental health departments and housing advice services. These resources can offer guidance on compliance requirements and legal recourse if disputes arise.
What This Means for Landlords
Landlords are now required to adhere to more stringent regulations, particularly concerning no-fault evictions and property standards. They must ensure their properties meet the Decent Homes Standard from the statutory conversion date onwards and register with a PRS Database once this requirement is enforced.
Landlords should update their tenancy agreements to reflect changes in notice periods for rent reviews and eviction procedures under RRA 2025. They may also need to adjust rental pricing strategies due to annual caps on increases, ensuring they comply with the Housing Act 1988 (section 13).
Regular maintenance checks and prompt responses to tenant complaints will be important to avoid disputes and maintain a good reputation within the PRS. Landlords should stay informed about updates in legislation affecting their responsibilities.
Common Scenarios
Scenario 1: An international student signs a lease for a shared house but faces difficulty obtaining a UK bank account due to identity verification issues. The landlord accepts an upfront payment through Western Union, which incurs high transfer fees and delays receipt of rent. This could lead to potential late-payment penalties if the funds don't arrive on time.
Scenario 2: A mature student living alone during holiday periods experiences severe damp in their flat. At International students and mature students, after contacting environmental health services, they discover that several other tenants have reported similar issues. The landlord is expected to address these complaints promptly but has been slow to take action due to limited resources or prioritisation.
Scenario 3: An international student receives a notice under the Housing Act 1988 (section 21) from their landlord, seeking possession of the property for refurbishment purposes. Given that no-fault evictions are now restricted by RRA 2025, the tenant may challenge this notice if it doesn't conform to legal requirements or if they have grounds to contest the reason provided.
Evidence Tenants Should Keep
Tenants should keep detailed records of all communications with landlords and maintenance providers. This includes dates, names, contact information, emails, and written agreements. Photos documenting property conditions at move-in and any subsequent issues can serve as important evidence in disputes or legal actions.
Receipts for rent payments and service charges, especially those made through international transfers, should be retained to demonstrate compliance with the terms of the tenancy agreement. Correspondence related to complaints about living conditions, repairs, or other maintenance issues should also be archived for reference.
Maintaining a full log of all interactions helps tenants build a strong case in disputes over deposits, repairs, and eviction notices. Consulting legal advice can help ensure that documentation is appropriate and sufficient for potential claims through the Housing Ombudsman or first-tier tribunal processes.
What to Do if Things Go Wrong
If things go wrong during a tenancy, tenants should start by sending a formal complaint letter to their landlord outlining specific issues and requesting resolution. If this doesn't yield results, contacting the local council's environmental health department can help address housing conditions that breach legal standards under Awaab's Law.
Deposits held by deposit protection schemes are accessible through dispute resolutions if agreed terms of the tenancy agreement or relevant legislation have been breached. In cases where further action is necessary, tenants may escalate their concerns to the PRS Ombudsman for independent mediation.
Should disputes persist unresolved, legal avenues such as housing tribunals (first-tier tribunal) and county courts can provide formal mechanisms for resolving landlord-tenant conflicts. At International students and mature students, consulting with a solicitor or organisations like Shelter can offer guidance on dealing with these processes effectively while recognising the complexities involved in each case.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Tenants often overlook the importance of thorough contract reviews, leading to misunderstandings about their rights and obligations during tenancy disputes. Failing to document maintenance issues promptly can weaken legal positions when seeking repairs or compensation for damages. Additionally, assuming that local council support is readily available without proper guidance can result in missed opportunities for resolving disputes efficiently.
Landlords may mistakenly believe they have unfettered rights under older legislation, overlooking changes introduced by RRA 2025. Overlooking registration requirements with the PRS Database and failing to maintain properties up to modern standards can lead to compliance issues and tenant dissatisfaction. Ignoring environmental health advice on property conditions can exacerbate disputes over repairs and habitability.
Where to Get Help
Organisations such as Shelter, Citizens Advice, and local council housing teams offer full support for tenants facing challenges related to their tenancy agreements or living conditions. These services provide guidance on legal rights, dispute resolution strategies, and practical advice tailored to specific situations.
Legal aid remains an option in certain circumstances where financial eligibility criteria are met, enabling access to professional representation during disputes without bearing substantial costs upfront. Tenants should explore these resources early to maximise their chances of achieving fair outcomes throughout their tenancy period.
Related: Student Renting Guide: Deposits, HMOs and Your Rights