2025

With sweeping changes to tenancy law due to arrive in April 2026, student landlords need to be more proactive than most. While Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) may get a formal exemption, private HMOs are still in the grey zone — and the consequences of getting caught out could be costly. Here’s what we know, and how you can stay ahead.   1. What’s Changing in April 2026? The Renters’...

Mortgage rates might have eased slightly — but borrowing for student HMOs is still tough. Between tighter lending criteria, rent cover ratios, and regulatory scrutiny, landlords face more hoops than ever. Here’s what lenders are really looking for in late 2025 — and what you can do to improve your chances. 1. Are Lenders Still Financing Student HMOs? 📌 Quick Clarification: Even if your...

Winter is coming — and for student landlords, that means two things: rising energy usage and rising complaints. Whether you offer all-inclusive rents or leave bills to your tenants, poor heating management can lead to mould, frostiness (literally and metaphorically), and damage to your margins. Here’s how to run a warm, energy-efficient student house in 2025.1. Heating Strategies That Work in Shared...

The Renters’ Reform Bill is moving closer to reality — and for student landlords, it could change everything. The end of fixed-term ASTs, rolling tenancies by default, and stricter notice periods are all on the table.But what does this mean for student HMOs in practice? Are exemptions coming? And how should landlords prepare now? Here’s what we know (and what we don’t) as of November 2025.1. What...

The student housing sector remains one of the more resilient corners of the rental market — but “resilient” doesn’t mean static. Heading into 2026, landlords need to understand the shifting balance of demand, supply and cost pressures if they’re going to get ahead. This article outlines the key trends, what to watch, and what it could mean for student property investors. 1. Demand Trends: Still...

Damp is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — issues in student housing. As winter sets in, landlords should be proactive in spotting, preventing and educating tenants about damp before it becomes a serious (and costly) problem.   Here’s how to deal with it properly. 1. What Causes Damp in Student HMOs? Most landlords think of damp as a leak issue — but in reality, it’s often caused...

More tenants than ever want to bring their pets with them — and students are no exception. With pressure mounting on landlords to be more flexible, should you allow pets in your HMO?The short answer: it depends. While pets can make a tenant feel at home, they also come with risk — especially in shared accommodation. Here’s what to consider in 2025. 1. What the Law Says (and What’s Changing)Under...

Student tenants can be vocal — and with review platforms, Reddit threads and university forums readily available, bad experiences don’t stay private. But that’s not always a bad thing.Student reviews offer a window into what really matters to tenants — and where landlords often go wrong. Here’s how to turn feedback (even the harsh kind) into a sharper rental business. What Students Actually...

Rents have risen fast in the last 18 months — and for student landlords, margins are being squeezed by rising mortgage rates, energy costs, and regulation. But how do you know if it’s time to raise the rent? And more importantly — how do you do it fairly?This guide helps you assess whether an increase is justified and how to communicate it properly. 1. What’s the Market Doing Right Now?According...

With more scrutiny on landlords than ever — and changes to tenancy law looming — now’s the time to check your student property is compliant. Whether you own one HMO or a growing portfolio, failing to meet the basics can mean fines, licensing issues, or worse.But ticking the boxes isn’t just about avoiding penalties — it’s also about standing out in a competitive market. Here's what to check in...