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
Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) - scoping survey findings 32 page PDF 536.5 kB