You’re not sure what type of tenancy or contract you have

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION
WHY YOUR CONTRACT TYPE MATTERS
WHAT HAS CHANGED UNDER THE RENTERS' RIGHTS ACT
HOW TO FIND OUT WHAT CONTRACT TYPE YOU HAVE
RISKS IF YOU DO NOT CLARIFY THIS
PRACTICAL STEPS YOU CAN TAKE NOW

INTRODUCTION

It’s very common for students not to know whether they have a joint tenancy, an individual contract, or something else. This can make it harder to understand your rights, especially if you want to leave early, change housemates, or deal with problems in the property.

The most important first step is to find out what type of contract you have, because this affects things like:

Whether you are responsible for other tenants’ rent
What happens if someone wants to leave
How notice works
Who the landlord or agent can take action against
How disputes are handled

If you are unsure, you are not alone. Many students only realise the differences when a problem arises.

WHY YOUR CONTRACT TYPE MATTERS

Different contract types create very different risks and responsibilities.

For example:

In a joint tenancy, all tenants usually share full legal responsibility for the whole property. This means you may be responsible if another tenant does not pay rent or causes damage.
In an individual contract, you are usually only responsible for your own room and rent.

Understanding this early can help you:

Make better decisions before signing
Avoid unexpected financial risk
Communicate more effectively with your landlord or letting agent

If you are currently looking for accommodation, this is one of the most important things to clarify before you agree to anything.

WHAT HAS CHANGED UNDER THE RENTERS' RIGHTS ACT

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 does not remove joint or individual contracts, but it does change how tenancies work overall.

From 1 May 2026, most private student tenancies in England will become periodic (rolling) tenancies. This means:

There will no longer be fixed terms in the same way as before.
Tenants will usually be able to leave by giving notice.
Landlords will need a legal reason to end the tenancy.

However, your contract type will still affect:

Whether one person giving notice ends the tenancy for everyone.
How housemate changes are managed.
How risk and financial responsibility are shared.

If you signed your tenancy before 1 May 2026, your existing contract terms still matter, especially in the early stages of the tenancy. Over time, your tenancy will convert to the new system, but the practical impact may vary depending on your situation.

Some details are still being clarified in regulations and guidance, so it is sensible to keep checking for updates.

HOW TO FIND OUT WHAT CONTRACT TYPE YOU HAVE

You can usually identify your contract type by:

1. Checking your tenancy agreement
Look for:

The names listed on the contract.
Whether the whole group signs one agreement.
Whether you are renting a specific room.

If everyone signs one agreement for the whole property, this is usually a joint tenancy.

If you each have separate agreements, this is usually an individual contract.

2. Asking your landlord or letting agent
It is completely reasonable to ask:

“Is this a joint tenancy or an individual contract?”
“What happens if one person leaves?”
“Who is responsible if someone does not pay?”

Clear communication early can prevent serious problems later.

3. Getting independent advice
If you are unsure or worried, it can help to get advice before signing or taking action.

RISKS IF YOU DO NOT CLARIFY THIS

If you do not know your contract type, you may:

Be responsible for rent or damage caused by others.
Be unable to leave when you expect.
Lose your deposit because of someone else’s actions.
Face pressure from housemates or landlords in stressful situations.

This is one of the most common areas where students misunderstand their legal position.

PRACTICAL STEPS YOU CAN TAKE NOW

Read your tenancy agreement carefully.
Ask your landlord or agent for clarification if anything is unclear.
Keep written records of any responses.
Seek advice before making decisions such as leaving or changing tenants.

Even under the new legal framework, good communication and clear expectations will help protect you. If you are unsure, it is usually better to ask early rather than waiting until there is a problem.