Tuesday 15-11-2022 - 22:48

 

The issues responsible for Durham’s housing crisis have been present for many years, and this year has shown how the culmination of poor university management and abuses of power from landlords can have drastic consequences for student renters if left unchecked. 

The growing marketisation of education has encouraged universities across the UK to consistently take more students than it can house. In Durham, a smaller city, the focus to remain competitive in its intake has resulted in the student population outnumbering the accommodation available. Regrettably, the shift in the universities interests towards profitability and expansion has overshadowed its educational priorities. As is the case across the country, increased COVID student numbers have caused issues for students in housing markets. However, Durham’s active decision to continue with increased student admissions without a plan for where these students can be housed beyond first year accommodation is irresponsible. 

Beyond the issues of university management, the private landlords and estate agents in Durham continue to be uncaring. Durham Tenants Union has worked with students to help retrieve compensation and get repairs done for various different housing issues. Sadly, the current housing crisis is unsurprising, as it continues a pattern of neglect from landlords who will gladly hike rent way out of line with inflation, knowing students have no other option than to pay that price in their university city. As such, in line with other student bodies, we - The Tenants Union – are demanding that the university management and the private landlords do better, ensure better housing conditions, and ensure there is enough housing for all students.