Housing advice for Private-rented Accommodation

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Most student tenancies do not have a ‘break clause’ so you remember will remain liable for the rent until the end of the fixed-term.

If you have a joint tenancy agreement, as most students in private-rented accommodation do, if one of your housemates doesn’t pay their rent, you have “joint and several liability” for the rent. This means that that you and your housemate are liable for all the rent due - so you could be asked to pay it (as could guarantors).

Our advice is as follows:

As you are legally liable for your rent, you should continue to pay it.
Speak to your landlord or agent and see if you can negotiate an agreement with them.
Check whether your contract has a break-clause.
You will remain liable for the utility bills until the end of your tenancy agreement. If your rent includes an amount for bills – you could ask the landlord/agent to reduce your rent amount if you will not be staying in the property (and they do not agree to end your tenancy early).
If you have paid a deposit and are moving out, ask when you will get your deposit back. Deposit scheme rules vary, but you may only have 3 months (less one day) from the end of the tenancy, or from vacating the property, to access the “alternative dispute resolution service” that the schemes offer.

If you are in a private hall of residence, the above information generally applies to you too. Your accommodation contract is with your hall provider, and there is no contractual relationship between them and the University. Most student agreements do not have a ‘break clause’ so you will remain liable for the rent until the end of the fixed-term. Therefore, as you are legally liable for your rent, you should continue to pay it. Speak to your provider and see if you can negotiate an agreement with them. Whilst there is no obligation for them to make any concessions, you may be able to arrange something.

Housing advice for Private-rented Accommodation

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