Today we’re talking about something that affects all of us: renting law reform. Knowledge, especially of your legal rights, is power. It’s 2025, the UK government is in the process of passing a major upgrade to renters' rights. Find out through this blog post where we’re at legally and what it means for you as a student renter in Cambridge:
Big Legal Shifts Incoming
1. Section 21 evictions (aka “no fault” evictions) are on the way out.
You can’t be kicked out of your house for no reason anymore, once the Renters’ Rights Bill becomes law. This hasn’t happened yet, but it’s coming (for more information about this, check Gov.UK).
2. Phasing out fixed-term contracts.
No more “you’re stuck until next July” - most student rentals will convert to rolling tenancies, giving you more flexibility to leave with notice. But heads up: purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), think big private halls, might be exempt.
3. đź’¸ Rent increases = regulated.
Landlords will need to give 2 months' notice and can only raise your rent once a year (once the law is active). And yes, you’ll be able to challenge unfair increases through a tribunal. (Check out Citizen’s Advice or MOOT for an overview of how)
What is MOOT you ask? A platform to rate your landlord!
We’re now officially partnered with Marks Out Of Tenancy (MOOT) — the Yelp for your housing life. Here's why it's a game-changer:
- Leave honest, anonymous reviews of your landlord, agent, or property.
- Search real experiences from other Cambridge students.
- Make informed decisions about the property or landlord of the property you are renting, before you’ve committed to it.
- Learn your rights with easy guides on deposits, repairs, rent rises & more.
- And yes – it’s free, ad-free, and no spam
Whether you’re house hunting or making sense of a not-quite right experience of your tenancy, MOOT gives you power and community. In the current highly asymmetrical power dynamics of the rental market at Cambridge, sharing your story is a small act of resistance with big impact.
Roundup of information:
- Big renting reforms are on the horizon – including no-fault eviction bans and fairer rent rules
- Fixed-term tenancies are being replaced by rolling ones (except for some private halls)
- We’re working with MOOT so you can review your landlord and protect future students
Knowledge = power, so let's claim back our power students by sharing knowledge!