Anger as Bristol University threatens rent strikers with third party debt collectors

The University of Bristol has faced criticism after threatening to use third party debt collectors to recover unpaid rents.

A collective of students has been on rent strike since October because of what they claim to be a lack of support throughout the pandemic and restricted or no access to facilities they would otherwise have had.

University bosses say tenants have been offered rebates that are equivalent to a 25 per cent reduction in rent over the duration of their time in accommodation, or the option to be released from their tenancy.

They say this is “one of the most significant rent offers across the university sector” and that student wellbeing continues to be top priority.

But the move has met with a backlash from university staff, as well as students. Some lecturers have publicly stated their support for the rent strikers and condemned the university for calling in debt collectors.

Rent Strike Bristol campaign group has vowed to fight the decision, arguing the threat marks an “abrupt shift” in the university’s handling of the rent strike and say it is “a move that puts its own students, and its own reputation, at risk”.

The university has confirmed STA International could be employed to recover unpaid rents. The third party company would then take ten per cent of the total arrears as payment for the debt collection service.

University leaders say the letter sent to rent strikers is standard procedure as a last resort and that no debt will be sent to a collector until June 10 at the earliest. They say contact has been made with students who have not paid on multiple occasions, primarily to extend support.

Rent Strike Bristol argue standard procedure would be to hold unpaid rent for 12 months before calling in a third party and say the action is premature as money has only been withheld since late October.

Alice, who is also participating in the strike, says the threat of debt collectors is a scary one. “Financially, being a student this year has been really tough, jobs are hard to find and the university threatening this action is upsetting,” says Alice.

Bristol24/7 understands a meeting is due to take place between rent strikers and university representatives on Friday.

Rent strikers argue Bristol University’s willingness to pay STA for the debt collection services demonstrates a lack of willingness to put students’ needs first.

Anya, a first year student, says university bosses are “publicly declaring that they are not interested in reaching common ground with their students, and would much rather pressure us into submission by granting money to external companies”.

Robert Kerse, the chief operating officer for the University of Bristol, says there is no surplus from student rent, with all accommodation fees going towards operating, maintaining and improving halls of residence, including around the clock pastoral and wellbeing support.

“Recognising the impact the pandemic has had, we have offered students rebates which are the equivalent of a 25 per cent reduction in rent over the duration of their tenancy and the option of tenancy release for those not wishing to reside in their university-accommodation any longer,” says Robert.

“We believe this to be one of the most significant rent offers across the university sector.

“The overall package of additional Covid-related support for students in halls up to the end of March will total over £16.5million.

“Multiple contacts have been made with students who have not paid, primarily to extend support at this very difficult time.

“The latest letter tells them that the debt may be passed to a company, as is standard procedure once we have exhausted our own income collection processes, which have been extended by three months this year. We have pre-agreed that no debt will be sent to an outside collection organisation until June 10 at the earliest.

“We have regularly reminded students what support is available and have encouraged them to get in touch if they’re having any financial difficulties.

“Our hardship funds are uncapped and available to all students, regardless of landlord, during this challenging period.

“We know that this has been a difficult year for students and their wellbeing remains our top priority. Our mental health and financial services are on hand to support all students – and we continue to urge anyone in need to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Main photo by Martin Booth

Read more: Students call for university fee compensation following year of remote teaching