What is the Renter’s Rights Bill and what have LUU done?

The Renters Rights Bill is a set of proposed new Laws currently being debated in Parliament. It is not yet a law and will not be until it passes all stages of the legislative process. Those stages are due to take place through 2025.

LUU members and Exec Officers have worked alongside Alex Sobel, MP for Leeds Central and Headingley to support students with having their say in advocating for student renters. In particular, around issues students from marginalised groups face around guarantorships, and needing to pay multiple months’ rent in advance. Below is the timeline of progress that has been made on this project.

Timeline

February 2024: 
Vishanth Suresh, previous LISN member, alongside Rimsha Khan, International and Postgraduate Office, and other students spoke to Alex Sobel MP about the rising cost of living, and specific issues in terms of rent being asked for in advance at the LUU Let’s Talk About… Cost of Living Event hosted by former Union Affairs and Communications Officer, Emily Tabern.

April: Alex Sobel MP publishes an amendment to the Renters Reform Bill.

June: A UK General Election is called and Renters Reform Bill isn’t passed in the “Parliamentary Wash up”.

July: Election of new Labour government.

September: Launch of NUS’ No Guarantors Campaign. Labour also announce a new Renters Rights Bill

October: Felix, current International and Postgraduate Officer travels to the NUS No Guarantor Campaign day in Westminster, joining over 50 student officers from around the country, meeting over 70 MPs in order to draw up support for issues that students face in terms of housing. Current Officers all meet with Alex in October, November and January.

January 2025: Alex Sobel MP shares Matthew Pennycook’s letter stating rent in advance will be limited in the new Renters Rights Bill. It is officially written into the bill, which has not yet become law.

LUU will continue to work with Alex Sobel, and other partners to improve student experiences of housing.