EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations amend the Student Accommodation (Codes of Management Practice and Specified Educational Establishments) (England) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/947) (“the 2024 Regulations”).

Under section 233 of the Housing Act 2004 (c. 34) (“the Act”) the Secretary of State may approve codes of practice which lay down standards of conduct and practice to be followed with regard to the management of houses in multiple occupation (“HMOs”) or of excepted accommodation. Excepted accommodation is living accommodation falling within Schedule 14 to the Act that is not an HMO for the purposes of the Act (excluding Part 1, which deals with housing conditions). Certain buildings occupied by students are excepted accommodation pursuant to paragraph 4 of that Schedule.

Regulation 2 amends the 2024 Regulations to approve a new code of practice, Universities UK/GuildHE Accommodation Code of Practice for Student Housing dated 11th March 2025. Regulation 2 also amends the 2024 Regulations to specify educational establishments for the purpose of paragraph 4 of Schedule 14 to the Act.

Regulation 3 revokes various Regulations that are superseded by these Regulations.

Copies of the new code of practice have been lodged in the libraries of both Houses of Parliament. It is also available at https://www.acop.ac.uk.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen.