Student renting in Liverpool changed significantly on 1 May 2026, when major provisions of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 came into force across England. The changes are important, but the market is not accurately described as being in “meltdown” or facing a proven 45% withdrawal of properties.
Section 21 has ended
Landlords can no longer use the old Section 21 no-fault eviction process for assured tenancies. To recover possession, they must rely on a specific legal ground and follow the required notice and court process.
What Ground 4A means for student HMOs
The Act created Ground 4A for certain properties rented to full-time students. It can allow a landlord to recover possession in order to re-let to another group of students, but conditions apply. The property must fall within the relevant student HMO rules, appropriate written notice must have been given and the tenancy cannot simply be agreed indefinitely far in advance.
Government guidance also makes clear that private purpose-built student accommodation operating under approved codes is treated differently from the ordinary private rented sector.
Why Liverpool students should care
Liverpool has a large private student rental market in neighbourhoods including Wavertree, Kensington and the city centre. Students should check who manages the property, the terms they are being offered, deposit protection, licensing where applicable and whether the landlord or agent is explaining the new legal framework accurately.
The changes may affect when some landlords advertise and how student tenancies are structured, but claims of a citywide shortage or bidding war need evidence before being presented as fact.
For landlords
Landlords should review tenancy documents and possession procedures against current government guidance rather than rely on pre-May 2026 templates. The new regime also increases the importance of providing required written information and using the correct prescribed forms.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Renters’ Rights Act overview for tenants and landlords.
- Renters’ Rights Act 2025 explanatory notes: Ground 4A.
- GOV.UK: Grounds for possession guidance, updated May 2026.
