Lancaster students told they must still pay rent to housing firm despite moving out of accommodation due to Covid-19

University students who have left their accommodation due to the coronavirus lockdown have been told they must continue to pay their rent.
Unipad's offices in King's Arcade, Lancaster. Photo: Google Street ViewUnipad's offices in King's Arcade, Lancaster. Photo: Google Street View
Unipad's offices in King's Arcade, Lancaster. Photo: Google Street View

Lancaster student housing provider Unipad told students their contract was legally binding, and not directly linked to student status at the university.

However, they said they have offered those students who wish to terminate tenancies early a discount on their final term rent.

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One student, who is in his second year studying politics at Lancaster University and is sharing a house with three other students let by Unipad, said one of his flatmates had contacted Unipad enquiring about releasing them from the rental as a consequence of Covid-19.

They said the house is now empty, and likely to remain so for the foreseeable future.

The students were told they must fulfil their contractual obligations.

A four-bedroom Lancaster property starts from £99 per person per week for a 50-week tenancy according to the Unipad website.

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Last week we reported how Lancaster University is continuing to charge rent even if students have moved out of their accommodation.

And Unipad said the university's stance enables private providers to follow a similar path.

Unipad, which has an office in King's Arcade, said: "This is obviously a difficult time for all involved including landlords. From a legal perspective the status of tenancies is not directly linked to student status at the university.

"For example if a student was to fail a year or be expelled they would still be liable for the rent. All students are also still receiving their student loans for the last term so are able to pay.

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"We do however understand the reluctance to pay for accommodation that is no longer needed.

"It is our understanding that Lancaster University is enforcing all tenancies at this point in time which sets the precedent for independent accommodation providers.

"However, we have chosen to take a balanced approach and have offered those students who wish to terminate tenancies early a discount on their final term rent.

"We have taken in to account cost savings we will make for cleaning and utilities that are no longer required and passed these on to our tenants.

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"Not all students have taken up this offer as nearly all have left their belongings in their respective properties and are either unwilling or unable to return to vacate properties due to the lockdown measures.

"We have left the option to them to decide if they wish to take advantage of a reduced rent or not."

The spokesman added that around 15 per cent of students have continued to stay in their Unipad properties to socially distance themselves from relatives who may be at more risk to Covid-19, or because their home city or country has a higher level of cases and they wish to stay in Lancaster due to the current low level of cases.