Tuesday 01-12-2020 - 16:11

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Durham SU has worked to ensure that students living in the private rented sector are supported, aware of their rights and are treated with flexibility and compassion by private landlords and agents. The SU also welcomed the University’s decision in the spring to terminate accommodation contracts early for students who had travelled home. However, whilst this work was undoubtedly extremely valuable at the end of the 2019-20 academic year, we now know that students are facing a new set of challenges as the pandemic continues and restrictions remain in place.  

Accommodation for 2020-21 

At this point in the academic year, I recognise that many of you will be thinking about searching for accommodation for 2020-21. You may have already seen the brilliant ‘Take Time to Sign’ campaign run by college welfare teams across the University. I urge you all to make use of the information, resources and support offered through this work to ensure you make informed decisions about housing.

Currently, in-person viewings can still legally take place despite the current measures, although guidance does stipulate that virtual viewings should always be utilised in the first instance. Whilst some students may be comfortable with this and take the necessary precautions to do this in a safe manner, I recognise that many of you may feel unsafe and uncomfortable having prospective tenants in your home. It’s important, therefore, that all student tenants are aware of their rights – in particular, their right to decline entry to the property. If you do not wish for in-person viewings to take place in your home during the pandemic, you should speak to your landlord or agent as soon as possible and attempt to reach a reasonable solution. 

Accommodation throughout the pandemic 

With young people over twice as likely as older employees to have suffered job loss due to the pandemic, and more likely to be employed in the most affected sectors, we know that many students will be facing significant financial challenges. Equally, as Christmas approaches, many students will be considering what options they have to return home and what restrictions might be in place in January. We recognise that for many, the current circumstances will mean that they have to stay in Durham over Christmas, and that some students may not be able to, or wish to, return to Durham in January. 

As Welfare and Liberation Officer, I do not believe that anyone faced with these challenges should be expected to pay additional costs. This includes not paying extra fees for staying in University accommodation over Christmas, but also giving students the opportunity to end their college tenancy agreements early without financial penalties. 

I believe the same policy should also be applied by Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) providers in Durham. Many proviers took welcome stances during the initial national lockdown and agreed to release students from their contracts (you can see the stances here), and I once again encourage these providers to act with compassion and flexibility as the academic year continues. 

For students living in private rented sector housing, I’d like to reiterate the message behind the Student-Landlord Pledge, which the SU wrote last academic year as an initial response to the pandemic. I firmly believe that all student tenants, landlords and agents should act with compassion, flexibility and understanding as the pandemic continues to impact all aspects of our lives. We must continue to respond collectively to the challenges we face and support each other as members of Durham’s community. 

Support is available to you

For support and advice on issues relating to housing and accommodation, students can visit the SU Advice Hub for up-to-date information and guidance, with the option to contact an Adviser by clicking ‘Get in Touch’.