News / University of Bristol
University of Bristol students call on private accommodation providers to reduce rent
Students from the University of Bristol are calling on private landlords, letting agents and student accommodation providers to introduce rent reductions for students under financial pressure.
In an open letter, the Students’ Union officer team highlighted the difficulty for students who are “out of pocket for a house they cannot live in”, while also emphasising the precarious nature of hospitality work that has left many students unable to work.
For students in university-owned accommodation that will not be returning following the Christmas break, there has been a 100 per cent rent-reduction between February 1 and March 26.
is needed now More than ever
The University of Bristol has also introduced a policy stating that it may be beneficial for some students’ physical and mental health not to reside in university accommodation during the current lockdown.
However, for students in private accommodation, the same measures are not guaranteed.
In the open letter, students wrote: “As we are sure you are aware, the impact on students over these last nine months has been huge. With the hospitality sector continually shutting down and reopening, student jobs have been incredibly precarious, leaving many without the money they need to pay their rent.”
“It is difficult for students to be paying full rent for a property they are advised not to return to. If landlords and accommodation providers can play their part in removing financial pressure as a reason to travel, this could really help keep our community safe.”
Bristol SU has written to landlords and accommodation providers to ask them to reduce financial pressure on their student tenants. Photo: Unite
Requests to landlords include options for a rent reduction, no-penalty contract release and a rent holiday, which will go a long way to alleviate the financial pressures that many students are facing.
Bristol Students’ Union has also provided students with a template letter to write to their own landlords and request a change to their agreement.
The university’s pro vice chancellor, professor Sarah Purdy, has supported the plea made by students.
“We sincerely hope private landlords will follow suit and consider all available options at their disposal, including, wherever possible, the offer of rent holidays or reductions to student tenants; or the offer of penalty-free contract releases,” said Purdy.
“This is an extraordinarily challenging time for students. Please help ensure they are not financially penalised for doing the right thing for their city.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read more: University of Bristol make u-turn over student halls rent payment
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