Landlords hit back at accusation of ‘turning students’

The National Residential Landlords Association has hit back at a claim that it is seeking to ‘turn students’ against the government’s proposed reforms for the private rental sector.

The website OpenDemocracy - which describes itself as “an independent international media platform” - says the NRLA has written to over 20 student unions across the UK.

In at least one correspondence which OpenDemocracy says it has seen, the NRLA allegedly says that the government’s proposed banning of fixed-term tenancies through the Renters’ Reform Bill could cause "chaos" and damage students’ mental health.

OpenDemocracy then quotes a National Union of Student leader saying: “It is wrong that the NRLA is pushing for exemptions for students which would afford them fewer rights than other renters. Our research repeatedly shows that the cost of housing is a key driver impacting student mental health so it is disingenuous for the NRLA to imply that the greater protections secured through the bill will bring harm to students.”

However, the NRLA has defended its communications, telling Landlord Today: “The welfare of students is best served by ensuring a healthy supply of homes to rent. Recent images of students queuing to view properties is a sign that there is simply not enough accommodation to meet demand. All this is doing is leading to less choice and higher rents.

“The government’s plans to make all student tenancies open ended or ‘periodic’ would only make it harder to find accommodation. It would mean no landlord could ever guarantee that housing would be available for students at the start of each academic year. This would cause chaos, confusion and anxiety for students unable to plan where they live and with who.

“Ministers have already accepted that student housing is a special case by exempting tenancies in private halls of residence from becoming periodic. The reasons for doing this in halls apply every bit as much to the wider student market.

“This is why we have reached out to 22 student unions across the country to find a solution that recognises the unique nature of the student market.”

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