Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, following their announcement of 15 April on changes to the private rental sector, whether it will still be possible for (1) universities, and (2) businesses, to procure short-term lets for people coming from abroad for a defined period; and if not, why not.

The Government is committed to modernising the private rented sector and intends to introduce a new, fairer deal for both landlords and tenants.

Following the recent announcement to put an end to ‘no-fault’ evictions by repealing section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, we will shortly publish a consultation on the details of our package of reforms. We will use the consultation to test whether specific provisions for different types of housing, such as student accommodation are wanted or needed.

Landlords will still be able seek possession using existing grounds under section 8 of the Housing Act 1988, including the ground relating to accommodation tied to employment. These reforms will allow the flexibility for renters to move, including for work, if they wish. Tenants will still be able to choose to end the tenancy, as long as they provide requisite notice to the landlord, retaining the flexibility we know is important to some renters.