Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) - scoping survey findings

24 Jan 2022 12:51 PM

This report describes scoping research carried out to inform the development of a review of Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA).

The scoping research report includes a number of suggested areas that the review of PBSA could consider.

In relation to student needs and wellbeing, these include recommendations around:

consistent mental health and wellbeing support across PBSA,
equal access to PBSA for all students, particularly disabled, care experienced and estranged students, and
making sure international students are not placed at financial risk when renting PBSA.

In relation to regulation, affordability, contractual arrangements and the role of local authorities, these include recommendations around:

regulation of PBSA that takes into account the specifics of the PBSA sector, but makes sure students have access to the same rights as other renters,
ensuring that policies such as Widening Access are reflected how PBSA is delivered, to make sure all students have fair access to education
ensuring consistency in the partnerships between HE institutions and private PBSA providers, and
reviewing the role of local authorities in PBSA planning and development.

In relation to the future of PBSA, these include recommendations around:

gaining a fuller understanding of the future of PBSA provision and the implications of this upon the review, and
taking into account the specifics of and differences between institutional and privately provided PBSA, to ensure fair regulation