Tuesday 07-04-2020 - 16:45

We know it’s not just your teaching and assessments that have been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic — your housing situation might have changed too. Whether you’ve moved back to your parents' house early, you’re stuck in Halls of Residence or you’re struggling to get out of your contract with a private landlord, The Union is here to help.

The story so far

• Third term rent has been waived for students who live in University-managed halls, Unite and Liberty Living. Students in IQ can also be released from tenancy agreements early, providing you get in touch with them before 17:00 on Thursday 9 April.
• Our Advice Centre has been supporting lots of students with questions about tenancy agreements. Contact them if you have any questions.
• Manchester Student Homes has reached out to private landlords with an open letter from Greater Manchester Universities and their students’ unions, to ask them to release students from their contracts.
• An email template has been provided to all students, which can be edited and sent to landlords to start the negotiation process.
• The NUS (National Union of Students) is raising these housing issues with sector bodies, landlord associations and members of Parliament.

What we’re going to do next

• Continue to support students’ negotiations with their landlords through the Advice Centre.
• Let us know about your successes with landlord negotiations and we'll share and celebrate them.
• Keep on raising important issues around housing with the NUS, Manchester City Council, the Mayor of Greater Manchester and local MPs.
• Carry on working with the University to request additional funding for students who are in financial hardship.

 

If you’re struggling or have any questions, our Advice team are here to help. You can email them or ring 0161 247 6533 and leave a voicemail. An adviser will check the voicemails and aim to call you back within 2 working days.