Michael Gove backtracks on tenant reforms after just a week

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Student bodies and landlords have lobbied the Department of Graduation, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to provide an exception for the student rental sector.

Currently, the Tenant Reform Bill includes an exemption for purpose-built student housing, allowing these properties to continue to operate on 12-month leases. Currently, there is no exemption for student rentals by private landlords.

But Leveling Up secretary Mr Gove is now considering an amendment to the bill, the Telegraph understands. The amendment would allow landlords to guarantee vacant possession for the next cohort of students and stick with their annual rental business model.

This would be added to the bill as a specific clause for student private property.

Chris Norris, of the National Association of Residential Landlords, a trade body, said: “Our recommendation is that the Government add a ground for possession which, subject to the tenancy qualifying as a student tenancy, could be used by landlords to carry a periodic tenancy to end in line with a point in the academic year.

“They would need to clearly define student tenure and require adequate notice, but it would be relatively simple and would not undermine the broader goals of the bill.”

The student rental sector is already under pressure. Like the rest of the private rental sector, it faces a shortage of supply.

More than two-fifths of universities and colleges had a general housing shortage at the start of the academic year in September, according to the College and University Business Officers association.

A government spokesman said: “The vast majority of students move at the end of the academic year and will not be affected by these reforms.

“However, we continue to engage with students and property owners on these measures to ensure they work for both parties.”