Healthier Homes: What New Renters’ Rights Powers Mean for Students

Students deserve homes that are safe, healthy and support their ability to thrive. Yet too many continue to live in accommodation affected by damp, mould, poor insulation and hazards that can have a serious impact on health and wellbeing.

New powers introduced through the Renters’ Rights Act are a positive step towards improving standards. From June 2026, local councils can issue fines of up to £7,000 to landlords who fail to address serious housing hazards, helping to crack down on unsafe conditions. This is part of wider changes brought in by the act, outlined in a previous blog post.

This matters for students. Many students live in older, privately rented properties that can be prone to issues such as damp, mould and excessive cold. Alongside the impact on physical and mental health, poor quality housing can affect students’ ability to study, participate in university life and feel secure in their homes.

Homes that are poorly insulated or inefficient to heat contribute to higher energy use, increased carbon emissions and rising energy bills. It’s estimated that accommodation accounts for approximately 20% of our greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the climate crisis. Creating healthier homes and more sustainable homes goes hand in hand.

While stronger enforcement powers are welcome, they are only one part of the solution. Students need access to affordable, high-quality accommodation that supports both their wellbeing and their ability to live sustainably. Universities, accommodation providers, local authorities and policymakers all have a role to play in making this a reality. As the sector continues to work towards more sustainable and equitable campuses, safe and healthy student housing must remain part of the conversation.

If you’re experiencing issues with your accommodation, consider seeking support from your students’ union, university accommodation team or local council. By sharing experiences and raising concerns, students can help drive improvements that benefit current and future renters alike.

In September, we will be releasing a report showing our research from this year investigating the experiences of students living in the private rented sector whilst they study. If you’ve not already done so, you can sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear about the report and what we can all do to make student homes fit for study.

By Emma Lewins, SOS UK Campaign Manager