I recently wrote to the Minister for Housing
and Planning to raise concerns about the impact of the
forthcoming Renters’ Rights Act changes on students
accessing private rented accommodation.
While limiting large upfront rent payments is a positive
step, there are concerns that increased reliance on
guarantors and credit checks could disproportionately
affect international students, care-experienced and
estranged students, and those from lower-income
backgrounds.
I have asked the Government to consider options such
as a national guarantor scheme and greater oversight
of private guarantor providers to help ensure all
students can access safe and affordable housing fairly.’