Thursday 04-06-2026 - 13:14

 

Part 5: Leaving Your Room Early Again! (but in a PBSA) 

 

 

We are back again to give you the full run down on the Renters’ Rights Act! (Remember you can read the full doc here).

This week, we are looking again at leaving your room early. Last time we looked at the rules for people living in HMO (read it here). This time, it’s the turn of everyone who lives in a PBSA.

 

 

What is a PBSA? 

Purpose Built Student Accommodation – buildings specifically designed and built to house students or halls of residence run by the University or private companies (e.g. Unite Students or iQ Student accommodation). 

As PBSAs usually operate under a ‘licence agreement’ rather than a standard tenancy, your rights are slightly different! 

 

What’s changing? 

Firstly, PBSAs are largely exempt from the changes coming from the Renters’ Rights Act which came into effect on the 1^st May 2026. For example, fixed term contracts (tenancies with an end date) will still be allowed in PBSAs. 

However, tenancies will change from ‘Assured Shorthold’ to ‘Common Law’ and different providers of student accommodation may be affected slightly differently and should give out their own guidance, if they haven’t already! 

 

How does this effect those in PBSA’s who want to leave early? 

• Though there are no changes in the current Renters’ Rights Act, there are proposed changes that may come later such as: 
  • A right to end your agreement with 4 weeks’ notice if you’re not accepted to your institution or need to withdraw/suspend your studies for health reasons.
  • New provisions for dealing with the death of an occupant.
• If you have any issue with your PBSA accommodation, the best thing to do is speak to our Advice Team as it can vary! 

You can reach the LUSU Advice Team by:

• Emailing lusuadvice@lancaster.ac.uk
• Dropping in at the Students’ Union Welcome Desk in Bowland Main

 

Next week: It’s Your Money (getting your deposit back)