Plans to abolish fixed-term tenancies in England would "decimate" the student housing market, landlords have warned.
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) said a lack of certainty properties would be available at the start of the academic year could cause "chaos".
But the National Union of Students said if students were exempt from reforms they would become an "underclass".
The government said it was engaging with students and landlords.
Landlords renting to students typically offer a 12 month fixed-term contract to match the academic year and ensure properties are not left empty outside term-time.
However, under the Renters (Reform) Bill, which was introduced to Parliament last week, fixed-term tenancies will be abolished and replaced with rolling tenancies, which means tenants pay rent weekly or monthly with no fixed end date.
