Officer statement on the housing crisis
Wednesday 26-10-2022 - 15:26
We know that the housing market in Durham is broken. The length of the queues outside estate agents in the early hours of the morning, and the dramatically inflated housing prices, are inexcusable and unacceptable. This has put extreme pressure on students.
The University bears part of the responsibility for this crisis. Bringing students to Durham without knowing that the city, and surrounding area, is able to house them – in University beds or not – is irresponsible. Increasing student numbers are putting students' welfare, and education, at risk.
We've spoken about this before and have been urging the University to better understand the problems facing students. We worked with them towards solutions for the problems students faced finding houses for the current academic year, but need to ensure this doesn't happen again next year. The University must take immediate action on housing for the 23/24 academic year.
We have been making three demands of the University which we would like to make clear to students:
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The University should accept part of the responsibility for the current situation, and declare a major incident, which can help in the immediate term.
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The University should explore all options to immediately increase the number of beds directly available to students, within their control, for 2023/24.
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The University should urgently review the student number intake for 2023/24.
We need to address the longer-term issues, platforming student voice on this critical issue, and are working on a campaign in collaboration with the JCR Presidents’ Committee. Any student interested in campaigning with us can get in touch by emailing su.president@durham.ac.uk
Landlords and estate agents also bear some responsibility for the current situation. Advertising tactics and early timed releases build pressure on students which is unfair and unnecessary, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.
We’re also speaking to our local MP, Mary Foy, about holding to account predatory landlords in our city, and we welcome her commitment to this work.
If you're looking for a house or signing a housing contract, our Housing Toolkit provides information about Durham's housing market, what to look for in your housing contract and how to get support from our independent Advice Service.
Durham SU is calling for students to submit their stories about the housing crisis. Fill out the form here to share your experiences of Durham's student housing market.
