Paying rent: how it works and what to watch for

This section explains how rent payments usually work in the private rented sector, what changes are expected under the Renters’ Rights Act, and how to reduce risk if your financial situation changes during your course.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

HOW RENT IS NORMALLY PAID
WHY PAYMENT TIMING MATTERS
BEFORE 1 MAY 2026
FROM 1 MAY 2026 UNDER THE RENTERS' RIGHTS ACT
JOINT TENANCIES AND SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU MAY STRUGGLE TO PAY
PRACTICAL STEPS TO REDUCE RISK
KEY TAKEAWAY

HOW RENT IS NORMALLY PAID

Your tenancy agreement will set out:

How much rent you must pay
When it is due
How it should be paid (for example bank transfer or standing order)

Most students pay:

Monthly, or
Termly (in line with student finance payments)

There is no single correct pattern. What matters is that:

You clearly understand the payment schedule before signing, and
The payment dates are realistic for your financial situation.

If you are unsure, ask the landlord or letting agent to explain the schedule before you commit.

WHY PAYMENT TIMING MATTERS

Missing rent or paying late can lead to:

Arrears building up
Extra costs or interest
Pressure from the landlord or agent
In serious cases, legal action to recover possession (to get you out of the property).

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, the system still expects tenants to pay rent on time.

The reforms aim to improve security, but rent arrears will remain a key legal ground for possession.

This means it is important to:

Plan ahead for payment dates
Raise issues early if you are struggling

BEFORE 1 MAY 2026

At the moment:

Rent payment arrangements vary widely across student tenancies.
Some landlords expect large payments at the start of each term.
In some cases, landlords ask for significant rent in advance to manage perceived financial risk.

If your tenancy is already in place, the existing payment schedule will usually continue unless both sides agree to change it.

FROM 1 MAY 2026 UNDER THE RENTERS' RIGHTS ACT

The Renters’ Rights Act introduces changes that are expected to:

Limit the ability of landlords and agents to require large amounts of rent in advance before the tenancy starts.
Strengthen rules around when rent can be demanded.
Improve fairness and consistency across the sector.

However:

Students may still choose to pay rent in advance voluntarily if this works for them.
Detailed secondary regulations and practical guidance are still being developed, so some implementation details may evolve.
Because of this, you may see landlords adjusting their payment policies over time.

If you are unsure how a payment request fits with the new rules, ask the landlord or agent to explain:

Why a particular schedule is required, and
How it complies with the upcoming legal changes.

JOINT TENANCIES AND SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

If you have a joint tenancy, you and your housemates are usually:

Jointly responsible for the full rent, not just your individual share.

This means:

If one person cannot pay, the others may be expected to cover the shortfall.
Your guarantors may also be affected.

This is why it is important to:

Agree clear arrangements with housemates about how rent will be managed.
Discuss contingency plans before signing.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU MAY STRUGGLE TO PAY

If your situation changes (for example illness, funding delays, or course interruption), early communication is key.

Steps to consider:

Contact the landlord or agent as soon as possible.
Explain the situation and propose a temporary plan if needed.
Keep written records of conversations.
Seek advice from Durham University Student Support or Durham SU Advice Service if the issue continues.

Many problems escalate because tenants delay raising concerns. In practice, landlords and agents are often more willing to work with you if you communicate early and clearly.

PRACTICAL STEPS TO REDUCE RISK

Before signing a tenancy:

Check whether the payment schedule fits your student finance timetable.
Ask whether monthly payments are possible if termly payments feel risky.
Confirm whether there are late payment fees (only permitted in limited situations).
Make sure all payment terms are in writing.

During your tenancy:

Set up a standing order or reminders.
Keep a record of all payments.
Notify your landlord or agent immediately if a payment is likely to be late.

KEY TAKEAWAY

The Renters’ Rights Act is designed to improve fairness and security, but your responsibility to pay rent on time remains central. Understanding the payment structure and communicating early if problems arise will help you avoid the most serious risks.

If you are unsure about what you have been asked to pay, or how the new rules affect your situation, it is sensible to seek advice before signing or making changes to your tenancy.