Lori Meadows
Thousands of students have been refusing to pay rent for university rooms they cannot use during lockdown, with some going on rent strikes. Many universities have told students to stay at home and continue learning online, and students have been rent striking to make their voices heard and get universities to listen to their concerns. While some universities have said they will not charge students for accommodation during lockdown, others have been demanding rent from students, even threatening them with debt collectors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Students' opinion on paying rent during lockdown | Students are threatening to refuse to pay rent for university accommodation they cannot use during lockdown. |
| Number of students pledging to withhold rent | 15,000 |
| Number of universities whose students are pledging to withhold rent | 40+ |
| Universities whose students are pledging to withhold rent | Bristol, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Cambridge, Birmingham City |
| Students' reasons for refusing to pay rent | Students are paying for accommodation they can't use, and there's been no extra support from universities and the government. |
| Students' actions | Rent Strike Now campaign |
| Universities not charging students for accommodation during lockdown | Cambridge, Sheffield, Birmingham City |
| Universities confirming students in their accommodation will not have to pay rent if they are not coming back during lockdown | Essex, Sheffield, Manchester, Newcastle |
| Students who will not have to pay rent | Students not coming back to their accommodation during lockdown |
| Students who will have to pay rent | Students on certain courses such as medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science |
| Students who have been told to stay put | Students in Scotland, students across the UK |
| Student accommodation providers offering rent discounts | Unite Students |
| Amount of rent discount | 50% |
| Duration of rent discount | 4 weeks |
| Other actions taken by student accommodation providers | A four-week complimentary extension of the tenancy agreement at the end of the academic year |
| Government orders | The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an order stopping landlords from demanding rent from students for a month |
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What You'll Learn
Students' rent strikes
Students have been at the forefront of the rent-striking movement, with rent strikes taking place in 55 of 140 UK universities. This is the biggest nationwide tenant action in 40 years, with the potential to shift housing dynamics for students and renters alike.
Students have been told to stay at home for online learning unless they are taking specific subjects that require face-to-face classes, such as medicine and education. As a result, thousands of students are refusing to pay rent for university rooms they cannot use during lockdown, with rent strikes being organised at over 40 universities, including Bristol, Manchester, Leeds, and Sheffield.
The Rent Strike Now campaign has seen around 15,000 students pledging to withhold rent. Saranya Thambiranjah, a first-year student at Bristol University who helped run the campaign, said, "We're paying for accommodation we can't use, and there's been no extra support from universities and the government." She added, "Rent striking is a great way to make our voices heard and get universities to listen to our concerns."
Students have expressed frustration at heavy-handed hall lockdowns, the prospect of paying for empty rooms, and the lack of face-to-face teaching. They feel that universities are treating them as ""cash cows"" and prioritising profit over their welfare. At Manchester University, students protested against the university's poor handling of the situation, with nearly 800 students tearing down metal fences that had been erected around their accommodation.
Rent strikes have proven to be an effective strategy, with UCL students winning over £1.5 million in concessions in 2016 through collective action and resistance to bullying and eviction threats.
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Government support
In the UK, the Department for Education (DfE) has encouraged universities and accommodation providers to review their accommodation policies to ensure fairness and transparency, keeping the best interests of students at heart. The UK's largest student accommodation provider, Unite Students, has offered a 50% rent discount for four weeks in light of the new lockdown. Students will also receive a four-week complimentary extension of their tenancy agreement at the end of the academic year.
Some universities, such as Essex, Sheffield, Manchester, and Newcastle, have confirmed that students in their accommodation will not have to pay rent if they are not returning during the lockdown. However, Universities UK stated that most students rent from private landlords or other providers, and their ability to waive rent may differ.
In India, a plea was filed in the Supreme Court against landlords demanding rent from students during the lockdown, despite a government order prohibiting such actions for a month. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an order under the Disaster Management Act, stating that landlords forcing tenants to vacate their houses during the pandemic would face consequences.
While some institutions have offered rent passes or discounts, others have not, leading to rent strikes by students who cannot afford to pay. Campaigns like Rent Strike Now in the UK have gained momentum, with thousands of students at over 40 universities pledging to withhold rent. Students have expressed concerns about a lack of support from universities and the government, and many have lost their part-time jobs due to the lockdown, further impacting their ability to pay rent.
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Landlord demands
During the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of students at universities worldwide have refused to pay rent for their accommodation, which they cannot use due to lockdown restrictions. Students have been told to stay at home and attend online classes unless they are taking specific subjects that require face-to-face teaching, such as medicine and education. This has led to campaigns such as Rent Strike Now, with about 15,000 students from over 40 universities pledging to withhold rent.
In response to this crisis, various measures have been implemented to protect tenants from aggressive landlords and ensure that they are not unfairly evicted during the pandemic. For instance, the Scottish Government has emphasized that tenants should not be evicted due to arrears accrued during the pandemic. Landlords must provide opportunities for tenants to repay their debts after the pandemic, and eviction cases are carefully evaluated to prevent homelessness.
To address commercial tenants' struggles, the UK government introduced laws to prevent landlords from using statutory demands and winding-up orders to claim rent unpaid due to COVID-19. These measures aimed to safeguard businesses and jobs on the High Street. While these laws provided some relief, landlords could still employ other means to claim unpaid rent, such as Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR) or issuing notices for peaceable re-entry.
In June 2021, landlords retained the right to claim under a rent deposit, adhering to the terms of the rent deposit deed. Additionally, court claim remedies remained available for rent arrears, although courts prioritized urgent applications, resulting in delays. A binding arbitration process could also be initiated to facilitate a legally binding agreement between landlords and tenants.
Overall, while there have been demands for rent rebates and strikes by students, landlords have legal avenues to pursue rent arrears. However, the focus of governments and support groups has been on preventing evictions and providing tenants with extended periods to find suitable accommodation or repay their debts.
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University responses
Some universities, such as Essex, Sheffield, Manchester, and Newcastle, have confirmed that students in their accommodation will not have to pay rent if they are not returning during lockdown. Cambridge, Sheffield, and Birmingham City universities also said they would not charge students for accommodation they cannot use during the lockdown.
However, many students have reported difficulties with private landlords and accommodation providers. Students renting from Sanctuary Students, for example, reported that the company was demanding they pay rent during lockdown, even though they were not using the facilities and had left the rooms empty. In response, around 200 students joined a rent strike, after which Sanctuary Students hired a debt collection company to collect outstanding payments.
In India, a plea was filed in the Supreme Court seeking action against landlords demanding rent from students during the lockdown, despite a government order prohibiting this for one month.
Overall, it seems that while some universities and accommodation providers are being flexible and waiving rent during lockdown, others are taking a harder line and expecting students to uphold their rental agreements, even if they are not occupying the premises.
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Moving during lockdown
Understanding the Rules
First, it's important to understand the specific rules and restrictions in your area. These can vary by location, so check the guidelines provided by your local authorities. For example, in some places, a person can leave their current residence and move to a new one during lockdown, especially if their current residence is no longer available or suitable. However, non-essential moves, such as moving a few items into a relative's home, may need to be postponed until lockdown restrictions ease.
Planning the Move
If your move is permitted, start by preparing all the necessary documents. Depending on your location, you may need to carry a declaration form stating the date and addresses of your move, along with your ID and documents justifying your move, such as a rental contract or notice of leave. It is also recommended to contact local authorities to obtain an authorization number for your move.
Hiring Professionals
Consider hiring professionals to assist with your move. Removalists or moving companies are typically allowed to operate during lockdowns as they are considered an "essential service." They can help with the heavy lifting and transportation of your belongings. However, note that there may be restrictions on hiring additional service providers like cleaners or handymen.
Minimizing Contact
To ensure the safety of everyone involved in the move, minimize physical contact and practice social distancing. You can pack your own boxes to reduce the removalists' contact with your items, and place the packed boxes in one room for easy access. When interacting with others, avoid physical contact, and try to maintain a safe distance during the inventory of fixtures and key handover. If possible, place documents and keys on a clean surface instead of handing them directly to another person.
Sanitation and Safety
Throughout the moving process, prioritize sanitation and safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Sanitize high-touch surfaces before leaving your current residence and after arriving at your new home. If possible, wear masks and maintain good ventilation during the move. Ensure that everyone involved in the move is symptom-free and follows the necessary health protocols.
Remember to stay informed about any changes in lockdown restrictions and adapt your plans accordingly. Moving during lockdown can be challenging, but with careful planning and adherence to safety measures, it can be accomplished successfully.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the university and landlord. Some universities, such as Essex, Sheffield, Manchester and Newcastle, have confirmed students will not have to pay rent if they are not using their accommodation during lockdown. However, some students have reported joining rent strikes as their landlords are still demanding rent payments during lockdown.
Rent strikes are when a group of tenants refuse to pay rent as a form of protest. During the pandemic, rent strikes have been a way for students to make their voices heard and get universities to listen to their concerns.
Universities UK, the umbrella group for vice-chancellors, has said that the government should consider how to support institutions waiving rent. The Department for Education (DfE) has also encouraged universities and accommodation providers to review their accommodation policies to ensure they have the best interests of students at heart.
If your landlord is demanding rent during lockdown, you can try contacting your students' union for support. They may be able to provide legal advice or help you negotiate with your landlord. You can also look into virtual visits of alternative accommodations and postponing your move until the lockdown is over.
