This tool helps you to find the most relevant renting guidance for your situation as a Durham University student. This tool gives general guidance, not legal advice. Renting problems often depend on the exact facts and the wording of your agreement.

It works by asking you a few quick questions (for example, what type of accommodation you're renting, and whether you're renting alone or with others). Based on your answers, it will show short guidance modules that are most likely to apply to you.

You don't need to know everything yet. If you're unsure about an answer, choose "I don't know yet" where available - we'll still show you general guidance.

If you're renting with other people, make sure you answer accordingly. Some rules (especially about leaving early) can work differently in a joint tenancy, because one person's actions can affect everyone.

Important: The Renters' Rights Act will affect most private renters in England from 1 May 2026. That includes many new students who already have a tenancy before then, because existing tenancies are expected to move onto the new system when the main changes take effect. So this tool will be useful whether you are:

• already living in a property
• about to move in
• looking for somewhere to rent, or
• just trying to understand your rights.

From 1 May 2026, the main parts of the Renters' Rights Act are expected to come into force in England. These changes affect most students renting in the private sector, including many who already have a tenancy before that date.

This guidance explains the main changes and how they may affect you.

Renting issues can feel stressful, especially when the rules are changing or when something goes wrong unexpectedly. You don't need to figure everything out on your own.

If you are unsure about how the Renters' Rights Act applies to your situation, or you're dealing with a problem with your landlord or letting agent, the following support options are available.

Durham SU Advice Service

Durham Students' Union runs a free, independent advice service for students. You can contact the Advice Service if you:

• are unsure about your tenancy or your rights
• are thinking about giving notice or being asked to leave
• are worried about eviction, notice periods, or rent increases
• are dealing with repair, safety or condition issues
• need help understanding how changes in your student status might affect your tenancy

We can:

• explain your options clearly
• help you to understand what the law says (though we can't give direct legal advice)
• support you to communicate with your landlord or agent
• help you to decide when and how to escalate an issue

We won't tell you what to do but we can help you make informed decisions. Submit a ticket, or read our self-help guidance.

Durham Citizens Advice

Durham Citizens Advice offers free, confidential and independent advice to people living in County Durham.

You might consider contacting Citizens Advice if:

• you want an additional independent view alongside student-specific advice
• your issue involves wider legal, financial or debt concerns
• you are no longer a student, or your situation falls partly outside the student context
• you need support understanding or accessing formal legal processes or understanding enforcement options

Citizens Advice advisers can help explain housing law, outline your legal rights, and signpost you to further specialist or legal support where needed.

National housing charities and guidance

You may also find it helpful to use trusted national guidance, especially if you want to read more about your rights in detail.

Shelter provides clear, practical guidance on renting, eviction, notice ,repairs and housing problems.

GOV.UK publishes official government guidance on the Renters' Rights Act and related housing law.

These sources are particularly useful for: understanding the law in plain English, checking notice periods and legal processes and seeing examples of how the rules work in practice.

Local council support

Durham County Council may be able to help if:

• your landlord is not carrying out essential repairs
• there are serious safety hazards (such as damp, mould, gas or electrical risks)
• you believe housing law is being breached

If things escalate

If a dispute cannot be resolved informally:

• landlords must follow a legal process to regain possession of the property
• tenants cannot be forced to leave without proper notice and, where required, a court order

New systems introduced under the Renters' Rights Act - including a Private Rented Sector Ombudsman - are intended to give tenants clearer routes to challenge poor practice. These will be phased in over time.

If you are worried that you might be at risk of losing your accommodation, seek advice as early as possible.

A note on changing rules

The Renters' Rights Act is being implemented in stages. Guidance and processes will continue to be updated as new provisions come into force.

Durham SU will keep its resources under review so that students have access to up-to-date, accurate information. If you are unsure whether something has changed or applies to you yet, our Advice Service can help you to check.