How to retain Student Tenants

Lease renewal season is approaching, and student tenants are weighing up their options. Whether they’re considering staying put or moving on, one thing is certain: tenant retention is never a guarantee.

For property managers, retaining student tenants isn’t just about avoiding the hassle of finding new renters. It’s a direct route to higher occupancy, lower marketing costs, and a more stable revenue stream. In this blog, we’ll explore the strategies that make student tenants want to stay.

8 tips for student tenant retention

Start the conversation early

If you wait until the last month of the tenancy to discuss renewals, you’ve waited too long. Reach out early in the second term to open a dialogue about next year’s plans. This gives students time to consider their options and lets you address any concerns before they start shopping around.

Stay on top of maintenance

Few things sour the tenant experience more than unresolved maintenance issues. To boost retention, ensure that problems are resolved quickly, transparently, and with minimal disruption. Make it easy for tenants to report issues, and even easier for you to act on them.

Offer clear pricing & bill certainty

Students are often managing a tight budget. Surprise fees or confusing bills can be enough to push them elsewhere. If you’re not already offering bills-inclusive options, now might be the time to start. Consider price-freeze incentives for returning tenants or small discounts for early renewal - it can go a long way in keeping rooms filled.

Keep communication personal and proactive

Tenants want to feel like they matter - especially in PBSA and HMO setups where service levels can vary. Regular check-ins, clear escalation points, and responsive communication can make all the difference. Consider a quarterly pulse-check: how are they finding the property? Anything you could improve?

Make renewing as easy as booking

A long, drawn-out renewal process adds friction. The more clicks, calls or signatures it takes to rebook, the more likely tenants are to walk away. Simplify the journey - and make sure it can be done online.

Maintain your property’s standards

A clean, well-maintained property reflects directly on your professionalism — and the experience you offer. Don’t let minor wear and tear build up over time. Use quieter periods to refresh communal spaces and address niggling repairs. Small improvements — like fresh paint, new furniture, or stronger Wi-Fi — can signal that you’re investing in your tenants’ experience.

Reward loyalty

Sometimes, all it takes to nudge a student into renewing is a small token of appreciation. That could be a rent discount, a voucher, or even an upgrade to the property (new mattress, faster broadband). Consider loyalty rewards for tenants who rebook early or refer friends.

Retention pays off

Keeping tenants isn’t just about avoiding voids - it’s about building long-term value. Tenants who stay longer tend to treat the property better, refer their friends, and reduce your workload in the process. By getting proactive about communication, maintenance, and incentives, you’ll give your tenants every reason to stick around.

How Concurrent can help

Once you’ve got your retention strategy in place, Concurrent makes it easier to deliver.

• Track contract end dates with the tenancy dashboard so you know exactly when to follow up.
• Resolve maintenance issues faster with automatic job assignment and a tenant self-service portal — no back-and-forth emails needed.
• Give tenants billing certainty with in-platform utility referrals to Bunch or The Student Energy Group, helping them budget and boosting your referral revenue.
• Simplify renewals with fully digital contract signing — tenants and guarantors can rebook in just a few clicks.
• Keep everything centralised with a single dashboard for communications, issues, and tenancy records.