Row of terraced houses

Working for students in University or private accommodation.

Community Officer Lotti and Welfare Officer Sophia are leading on this campaign to provide rent relief for all students who are affected by restrictions.

So far the University has confirmed that partial rent refunds will be available to students living in University accommodation, and we have asked that the process for transferring or leaving is made clearer and easier.

Campaign Updates

  • We worked with the university to secure rent rebates for students during the disruption to their time in halls, however, we were disappointed that the rebate offered did not account for any disruption to last term.
  • We have been lobbying the university since starting our roles for students’ rights to be released from their accommodation contracts. We are continuing to challenge the university to provide freedom to exit contracts and provide appropriate rebates for all students affected.
  • We are seeing international students who have not even arrived in the UK being held to accommodation contracts. No student should have to pay for accommodation that they cannot use.
  • We have been supporting the Cut The Rent Leeds organisers to get their concerns heard by the university and have put together some detailed advice for any students considering withholding rent.
  • We are also lobbying the private sector to provide adequate refunds, be flexible with rent arrangements and release students from contracts. We wrote to Unite Students with officers from across the UK asking them to reconsider their disappointing offer of a two week refund but have not received a response.
  • We have been working with NUS and officers nationally to lobby the government to provide funding for all students to receive rent rebates.