What type of tenancy agreement will I need to sign 

England

Shared Housing

From May 2026, in England, most students renting a house or flat from a private landlord will be on an assured tenancy operating on a periodic basis under the Renters’ Rights framework, which replaces the traditional fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) model.

Assured Periodic Tenancy

Key features

• Tenancies generally run on a periodic basis (usually monthly) rather than a fixed term.
• Landlords cannot rely on “no-fault” evictions.
• Tenants can end the tenancy by giving notice.

Typical notice periods

• Tenant notice: usually 2 months
• Landlord notice: generally 4 months (when the landlord is allowed to give notice).

These tenancies are commonly used in:

• Private rented student houses
• Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
• Individual room rentals.

 

Student Shared Housing with Academic-Year End Dates

Some student houses operate with tenancies that align with the academic cycle, meaning the agreement may include a fixed end date between June and September.

This structure is commonly used by landlords letting properties specifically to student groups so that properties become available again before the next academic year.

However, under the Renters’ Rights framework, certain rules apply:

Key requirements

• The landlord must clearly inform the tenant that the tenancy will end at a specific point in the academic cycle.
• The tenancy agreement cannot be signed more than 6 months before the tenancy start date.
• The arrangement must be clearly set out in the tenancy agreement at the point it is signed.

Typical notice considerations

• Tenants may still be required to provide around 2 months’ notice if leaving early (depending on the agreement).
• Where a tenancy has a defined academic end date, it will normally end automatically on that date without further notice.

These agreements are typically used for:

• Traditional shared student houses of more than two people sharing 
• Student Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO) marketed specifically for academic-year occupancy

Students should always confirm the exact end date of the tenancy and whether it aligns with the academic year or the rent cycle.

Joint Tenancy (Shared Student Housing)

Students renting a house together will often sign a joint tenancy agreement.

Key features

• All tenants are jointly responsible for rent and property condition.
• One tenancy agreement covers the entire household.

Notice considerations

• Usually 2 months’ tenant notice
• One tenant ending the tenancy may affect the entire household depending on how the agreement is structured.

Individual Room Tenancies

Some landlords rent rooms separately rather than issuing a joint tenancy.

Key features

• Each tenant signs an individual tenancy agreement
• Tenants are not responsible for housemates’ rent

Typical notice periods

• Usually 2 months’ notice from the tenant, though specific agreements may vary.

This arrangement is often used in:

• Larger HMOs
• Professionally managed student houses.

Important Note

Some landlords of shared houses may choose to use a licence agreement rather than a tenancy agreement. If the landlord is using a licence agreement you may have a fixed tenancy term and not be able to give notice to leave. 

Student Halls

Student Halls (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation) are usually operated by private companies or universities and commonly use licence to occupy agreements rather than standard tenancy agreements.

Key features

• Occupants have permission to occupy a room rather than a traditional tenancy.
• Contracts are usually linked to the academic year or term dates.
• Accommodation is typically furnished and includes services such as utilities and on-site management.

Notice periods

• Notice is typically defined by the licence agreement itself.
• Many Student Halls agreements do not allow early termination unless a replacement tenant is found.
• Some providers allow cancellation within a short cooling-off period after booking.

Students should carefully review the licence length and cancellation terms before signing.

Scotland

Private Rented Student Housing

Most private student accommodation in Scotland operates under a Private Residential Tenancy (PRT).

Private Residential Tenancy (PRT)

Key features

• No fixed end date.
• The tenancy continues until the tenant leaves or the landlord uses a valid legal ground for possession.

Typical notice periods

• Tenant notice: usually 28 days
• Landlord notice: 28 or 84 days, depending on how long the tenant has lived in the property and the reason for possession.

PRTs are common in:

• Student flats
• Shared student houses
• Individual room rentals.

Student Halls

Student Halls in Scotland are typically let using occupancy agreements or licences.

Key features

• Accommodation is usually rented for the academic year
• Contracts often include services such as utilities, internet, and communal facilities

Notice periods

• Usually defined by the occupancy agreement
• Early termination may only be possible if:
  • A replacement tenant is found, or
  • The provider allows release under specific circumstances.

Wales

Private Rented Student Housing

Student rentals in Wales typically use Occupation Contracts, introduced under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act.

Standard Occupation Contract

Key features

• Replaced Assured Shorthold Tenancies in Wales.
• Provides a standardised framework for tenant and landlord rights.

Typical notice periods

• Tenant notice: typically 4 weeks
• Landlord notice: generally 6 months for no-fault possession (subject to legislative conditions)

These contracts are used for:

• Student houses
• HMOs
• Private rented flats.

Student Halls

Student Halls in Wales are often operated under licence agreements or occupancy contracts tied to the academic year.

Key features

• Fully furnished accommodation
• Often includes utilities and communal facilities
• Managed by private operators or universities

Notice periods

• Typically determined by the licence agreement
• Early termination may require finding a replacement tenant or may not be permitted outside cancellation windows.

Northern Ireland

Private Rented Student Housing

Student accommodation in Northern Ireland generally operates under Private Tenancy Agreements.

Private Tenancy Agreement

Key features

• Can be fixed-term or periodic
• Common for student houses and flats.

Typical notice periods

Tenancy Length	Tenant Notice	Landlord Notice
Up to 12 months	4 weeks	4 weeks
1–10 years	4 weeks	8 weeks
Over 10 years	4 weeks	12 weeks

 

Student Halls

Student Halls in Northern Ireland commonly use licence agreements linked to academic terms.

Key features

• Accommodation is usually booked for the academic year
• Contracts often bundle rent with services such as utilities and internet.

Notice periods

• Defined by the licence agreement
• Early release may require finding a replacement tenant or meeting specific contractual conditions.

Ireland

Private Rented Student Housing

Most student accommodation in Ireland operates under Residential Tenancy Agreements regulated by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).

Residential Tenancy

Key features

• May begin as a fixed-term agreement.
• Tenants can gain longer-term rights depending on how long they remain in the property.

Typical tenant notice periods

Tenancy Length	Tenant Notice
Less than 6 months	28 days
6 months – 1 year	35 days
1–2 years	42 days

Landlord notice periods are generally longer and depend on both the length of the tenancy and legal grounds for termination.

Student Halls

Student Halls in Ireland are typically let under licence agreements tied to the academic year.

Key features

• Often privately operated buildings designed specifically for students.
• Rent commonly includes utilities, internet, and building services.

Notice periods

• Usually set out within the licence agreement
• Early termination may require a replacement tenant or may only be permitted in limited circumstances.

What You Should Should Check Before Signing

Before agreeing to any student accommodation contract, it is important to understand:

• The type of agreement (tenancy or licence)
• The notice period required to leave
• Whether the agreement is joint or individual
• Whether you are liable for housemates’ rent
• The rules around cancelling or replacing tenants

Understanding these details can help you avoid unexpected costs and ensure you choose accommodation that suits your plans for the academic year.