You can check out our 2026 Housing Guide by clicking the image below. It’s packed with valuable information to assist you in your house-hunting for next year!
Please note that the 2026 Housing Guide was written before the 1st May 2026 and therefore does not reflect the new laws described in the Renters' Rights Act 2025
For further infomation about the Renters' Rights Act too please read this guide created by the Student Advice Centre and can be found here
The below information describes the differences between the two types of contracts you will see when you are looking for accommodation within the private sector.
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Assured Periodic Tenancies (APT)
- No fixed term end date. The contracts will continue periodically unless notice is given by the tenant or the landlord.
- Tenants are able to give two months notice to quit and terminate the contract. However, if on a joint contract this will terminate the contract for everyone.
- Landlords cannot ask you for rent payments of more than one month in advance. However, tenants can offer to pay more.
- If the contract was signed by both parties within 6 months of the contract starting the landlord can use Ground 4A (a mandatory possession ground under Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988) to terminate the contract. Please note - this is not possible in studios nor two bedroomed properties.
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Common Law Tenancies (CLT)
- Usually PBSA accommodation where the provider is a member of ANUK/Unipol National Code. You can see a full list of the providers here.
- An agreement which falls outside of the Housing Act.
- Fixed term end date.
- Subject to the terms set out in the accommodation contract and the National Code
- If tenants are taking a medical LOA or withdrawing from University they will be able to terminate the contract.
- Tenants are not able to give two months notice to quit and terminate the contract
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If you require an accessible version that can be used with Screenreaders, please contact us on smartmove@sheffield.ac.uk or 0114 2226058.