I’m not sure what type of accommodation I have (or will have)

It’s very common not to know this yet, especially if you’re still looking for somewhere to live. You don’t need to understand every legal detail before renting, but knowing your accommodation type will help you understand your rights and risks.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Different rules apply depending on where and how you live. For example:

Shared student houses (often called HMOs) have different risks and responsibilities compared to studios or lodger arrangements.
Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) may be outside parts of the main renting system.
Living with your landlord (as a lodger) usually gives you fewer legal protections.

Understanding this early can help you:

Avoid unfair contract terms.
Know how easy it is to leave your tenancy.
Understand how changes under the Renters’ Rights Act may affect you.
Spot potential risks before you sign.

HOW TO WORK OUT YOUR ACCOMMODATION TYPE

Here are some simple questions to help you:

1. Will/do share a kitchen or bathroom with people who are not your family?

If yes, this is likely a shared house or flat (often called a House in Multiple Occupation or HMO).

2. Will/do you live in your own self-contained space?

For example, a studio or flat where you do not share facilities with other tenants.

3. Will/do you live in a student-only building run by a large provider?

This is usually Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA).

4. Will/do you live in the same property as your landlord and share facilities with them?

This usually means you are a lodger.

WHERE TO FIND THIS INFORMATION

You can usually check:

The property advert.
Your tenancy agreement or contract.
Emails from the landlord or letting agent.
By asking the landlord or agent directly.

It is reasonable to ask:

“Can you confirm whether this property is an HMO, PBSA, or a self-contained tenancy?”

If you are unsure, we recommend checking before signing.

WHY THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT UNDER THE RENTERS' RIGHTS ACT

From 1 May 2026, most private tenancies will become open-ended (periodic) and tenants will usually be able to leave by giving notice. However:

Some accommodation types (such as PBSA and lodger arrangements) may not follow the same rules.
Certain student HMOs may have special eviction grounds to allow landlords to recover possession between academic years.
Your rights to stay, leave, and challenge decisions may vary depending on the type of housing.

Because the law is changing in stages, the exact details for some accommodation types are still being confirmed. It is therefore even more important to identify your situation clearly.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

If you are still unsure:

Continue using this guidance to learn about your rights.
Try to find out your accommodation type before signing a contract.
Contact Durham Students’ Union Advice Service if you want us to review your agreement.

Knowing this information early can help you make safer decisions and avoid problems later.