Q: Should I stop paying my rent during the outbreak? The demand for accommodation covered by this guarantee, means that we are highly unlikely to be able to offer university accommodation to returning students for the 2021/22 academic year. "Unfortunately, there’s not much good news for students who decide to change households for the medium to long-term, by returning to their family home for example. Most PBSA have extensive CCTV systems and so it is easy to spot large “in flat” gatherings and request tenants to move on. This resulted in most accommodation providers increasing their security and now have “differentiated security teams” consisting of front of house security and roving “bouncer” type security. If you share facilities or common areas with other people, all residents should always do their very best to follow guidance to stay at home and away from others. On Monday, Scottish students were told they can return home from university accommodation – as long as it’s on ‘a long-term basis’. Those returning should be aware of the lack of facilities en-route. This should include the continuation of essential research. Clearing accounted for 14.3% of all students accepted – also a new high. Put rubbish such as tissues and disposable wiping cloths into rubbish bags that are tied shut. Q: I no longer want to move in to my accommodation for next academic year, what can i do? Heading back to university as a mature student isn't an easy path to embark on. Push by government and HE to grow capacity after A’level marking u-turn. A: Gas safety inspections save lives. In shared properties it will be important for you to communicate with each other and decide how any required cleaning will be split and agree the timings for your visit to ensure social distancing is maintained. Keep windows open in the room you're staying in and shared spaces as much as possible. The Inquiry suggested a number of redress and learning-loss opportunities including establishing a Covid Student Learning Remediation Fund. If you are living in accommodation which you share with other people, or share facilities with other people, you should follow current Public Health England guidance. Earlier in the year during the first national lockdown Unipol, along with many landlords received requests and questions from their tenants and their parents about paying rent. Email & Print. For private accommodation providers, where their main business is sustained by rent (rather than academic fees paid to HEIs) it is unlikely that the rent refunds that took place in the previous academic year will be repeated. It's no secret that students across the country have found themselves in pretty tough circumstances. Leeds Student Space is designed to complement the mental health support already in place through universities, colleges and NHS services in England and Wales – filling potential gaps in provision and ensuring that all students have access to support they need. But what does this mean for students who want to move home, but carry on their studies virtually? Clean objects and surfaces you touch often (such as door handles, kettles and phones) using your regular cleaning products. If you are living in England you are able to come and collect your belongings. The guide covers the new 3 local COVID alert levels and outbreak plans. The Government published guidance for universities on 3 June 2020 (last update: 3 February 2021) looking at reopening buildings and campuses. If you have not received this information you are recommended to get in touch with your landlord so you understand what is expected of you. Amy said: "Where the landlord is the university, they may be more sympathetic to a short-term reduction in rent, or ending a contract early, if there is no longer any reason for you to remain in halls.". Refunds would also reduce universities’ income and therefore their students’ education. If you are renting a shared student house where occupancy is 6 or under then you can also give notice but this must include all the occupants of the house. Q: I am due to pay my rent but due to my changed circumstances I don’t think I am going to be able to do that. Find out more here, Information for Landlords on requirements and joining information, Details of all Unipol training events and conferences, Read about past events and view recordings, Join and get our discounted rate of £100 per academic year on all our training events, Buy bespoke training to be delivered at your institution and use Unipol’s research and consultancy experience, CRM Ltd is pleased to sponsor Unipol Training, Find out how you can book our Board Room in Leeds and some information about food allergens, Report a fault in you in your property (Unipol tenants only), Find out about the student housing experts who work at Unipol, If you have a problem, we're here to help. Our mature student blogger Jayne shares how, at 29, the experience is going for her. At present, Unipol is simply advising “if you are not happy signing a contract then don’t” try and negotiate a period of time (say a month) with the landlord where they will hold the accommodation whilst you work out what to do. At Cardiff University, where I study, there are approximately 6,000 mature students on campus. Mental health and wellbeing have been recognised as areas of serious concern for students. If you no longer want to live in your halls of residence, speak to your university as soon as possible to discuss your refund options. This way, you can secure a room or house of your choice, but allow yourselves more time to take stock of the situation in early spring. A-Level students were left gutted this year after Nando’s decided not to offer free results day chicken. In such circumstances, prior arrangements should be made to avoid any face to face contact and the engineer must follow the latest guidance on working safely in people’s homes. Motorway service stations and their toilet facilities are, however, open. Given the new guidance issued on 1st June maintaining the position that rent should be paid it looks unlikely that the Scottish approach will be adopted in England. What can I do? Where this is not possible landlords should be working with their tenants to offer support and guidance. Additionally, students are also able to claim Universal Credit under certain circumstances. It is also important to say that this was not a foreseeable set of circumstances and no one will be covered by insurance or would have had it on their risk register. How can I avoid spreading coronavirus to people I live with? Start your accommodation application once you've accepted a place on a course. This would mainly affect 1st year UGs going in to university provided accommodation and is unlikely to be applicable to students renting in the wider private rented sector. If you can't come to Leeds or Nottingham to find a house you can use our online service, Join Unipol's property management service. Find out more here: Unipol's current position on rent reductions and travel, Find out what universities and private providers of accommodation have announced about rent refunds (as of 3rd February 2021) HERE - Please see section '2021 Rent Refunds'. Find out here. Salman Haqqi, personal finance expert at money.co.uk, recommends keeping a record of all your correspondences in case you need them later down the line. A: Unipol's own response can be found elsewhere on the website on the button below. 698 8456 49 | Unipol is a Registered Trademark. Before undertaking the check, prior arrangements should be made to ensure that appropriate social distancing is maintained during the visit. It’s really important to think carefully about the reasons why you want to leave University, it’s a big decision! Many have needed to start self-isolating soon after moving into halls, while others haven't been able to get back after Christmas. Greggs was giving away 10,000 free sausage rolls to students. As a rough guide, only take what will fit on the back seats of a car. BD7 1AY, 28 Shakespeare Street workers in essential services, including education settings, can continue to go into work. Registered in England and Wales No. One thing we are recommending to landlords is to create videos tours and virtual viewings online which will minimise interaction between current/future tenants and landlords. An area of public health concern relates to the interplay between the old household (parental home or previous residence) and the new household. On 2nd February 2021 the Government announced a package of measures aimed at supporting students in financial difficulty. The same guidance applies to occupants of shared properties. Non-EU acceptances up by 9% this year through UCAS (China up by 24%), Difference between acceptances and enrolments, Many students studying from home country as courses online, Number of universities had flexible refund policies so may see late cancellations, Many universities offering Jan 2021 start dates for PG, there are risks still inherent in providing student accommodation this year relating to universities closing or moving entirely on-line in 2021, there is no evidence that students who have moved away from home want to return and study from home - attrition rates are lower than last year, good Wi-Fi is vital and shared space within flats important. The Scottish Government has updated its guidance on what those studying higher education can do if they wish to change household. a link between the rental and the course. Q: Now there are more local and national lockdowns will my landlord release me from my contract? The protection level tells you what you can and cannot do in that area. In any case there is no legal requirement on landlords to provide rent refunds. Unipol wrote to current tenants on 5th January 2021 to explain our position and has now writen again following our Board meeting on 21st January 2021. The FULL guidance can be accessed HERE, he APPG (All-Party Parliamentary Group for Students), launched an inquiry in January 2021 which reported on 28th January 2021. The announcement is in addition to the £20 million announced in December, bringing the total to £70 million for this financial year. It is generally thought that 'house hunting' will be a slower process than in previous years and students can take their time. Q: What is Unipol doing around rent reductions? When I was in first year my boyfriend's flat had a mixture of first and third years and they didn't seem to have that many problems. This is a developing situation and it is likely that universities will continue to update their own guidance for their students. We have worked with universities, colleges, student accommodation providers and trade unions to ensure that this guidance offers clear expectations and practical approaches to a safe, phased reopening of institutions. Two Warwick University students give their views on rent reductions. The full checklist is exhaustive so use it as a prompt so you don't forget anything you do need. All my housemates went home at the beginning of the lockdown and will not be back together again. University accommodation/private halls. ... How do you guys afford student accommodation? In order to give you peace of mind, all students renting a room in a complex for next year will be able to give notice on any agreement they sign with Unipol up to 1st March 2021 and this would end their 2021-2022 obligations. Student accommodation has emerged as a pressing concern for large numbers of students during the coronavirus pandemic. The accommodation section has mainly being covered by prior guidance already detailed below on cleaning in non-healthcare settings and moving homes. You are recommended to talk to your landlord at the earliest opportunity to talk through your options. If you've chosen your course and institution, the next step is to start thinking about your accommodation options. Students will benefit from an additional £50 million to support them with financial pressures from the pandemic, the Universities Minister has announced. In normal circumstances this would only be possible if you came to a mutual agreement with the provider or found a suitable replacement for yourself. There is an introduction of 'educational tiers' and theses are: Tier 1 (default position): HE providers are expected to provide blended learning with face-to-face tuition while following the provisions of this, and public health guidance (for example, the appropriate use of face coverings). A: Physical Viewings have become a lot harder under current restrictions, particularly where there is a group wanting to view a property. In her letter to students Ms Donelan said: “While many students will already have travelled home, I know that those of you who have not, or cannot, will be concerned about what you should do now. The Government have been clear in their guidance and updated this on 1 June 2020 and this states: "In the case of private landlords and letting agencies, the negotiation of rent waivers with student tenants is a matter between the parties concerned. An article from Universities UK details the potential financial crisis faced by a number of institutions. Nottingham Throughout this lockdown, it remains legal for the public to be able to move house and reconstitute households to keep the ‘housing market’ open. Please note if you are living in a student hall of residence the advice on the National Codes Website will be the most relevant for you. Please note this is for those interested in how guidance and restrictions have changed and has now been superseded by the new national lockdown introduced on 5th January 2021. Q: I will be moving in to a new property with friends who will all be coming from different households, is this permitted? "It’s likely that in many cases they will be tied into their accommodation agreements and not entitled to any refund.". The guidance also says that students can return in exceptional circumstances where they do not have access to appropriate alternative accommodation, facilities or study space, or who need to return for health or safety reasons. A: Viewings are a bit of a tricky due to the restrictions currently in place. There are costs involved so you need to check how much the service will be and you will have to arrange with your landlord a suitable time when they can let the company have access to the property. Citizens Advice senior housing expert Amy Hughes said: "It must be very frustrating for students that the academic year hasn’t started in the way they would have hoped. Most private accommodation providers require students to have a UK-based guarantor – someone who will pay your rent if you can’t. For off-street properties it is important that you take precautions and that help from parents and friends is kept to a minimum once you reach the property and due care is taken such as following guidelines for the cleaning of hands and wearing face coverings as appropriate. Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards. The guidelines on visitors and social interaction will be changing constantly but both students’ unions and the educational institutions themselves will have an important role in communicating expectations to students. Unipol's Board met in May and June 2020 and decided a number of measures affecting rent across the Summer period and next year's tenancies. Students still living in their term-time accommodation may be worrying about whether their tenancy will be extended if they need it to be. E: info@unipol.bradford.ac.uk, Accommodation Services This includes: Services should be designed to ensure appropriate social distancing is maintained (insofar as possible) and hygiene procedures should be followed. Then put these bags inside a second bag. Check … There are some useful sections on social distancing on campus, social isolation and wellbeing. Understandably, many students would still wish to do their online learning from their university home, where they can get access to the libraries and other facilities. A guarantor is usually a relative or guardian and you’ll need to share their details as part of your accommodation application. Our guidance to our tenants states: It is important to remember that communal areas need cleaning as well as your bedroom. These include the use of Civil Injunctions, Community Protection Notices, and Closure Orders, 24 which can be used to address instances of anti-social behaviour. Use a different sponge and tea towels for each person. What should I do? The virtual tour is a self-guided 'fly-through' of the home, created by capturing a series of 360 degree footage shots that are then stitched together to allow the viewer to navigate through the property. A few universities have stopped face to face teaching altogether - although this is again likely to throw students back onto their residential settings even further. This could include anything from electric and water bills to your TV licence and internet connection. financial crisis faced by a number of institutions, Unipol's current position on rent reductions and travel, Find more information about Universal Credit, decontamination in non-health care settings, Unipol's end of tenancy information can be found here, Further guidance on visits to properties to make repairs, shared home with someone who may have the virus. Tier 2 (fallback position): HE providers should move to an increased level of online learning where possible. Step 3: once you get there. E: info@unipol.org.uk, Student Central Special arrangements and exemptions from restrictions affecting most of the population are available to those studying in universities (and schools). Is that likely to happen in England? however if your circumstances have changed it is really important to have an early conversation with your landlord. It can help you apply for funding (such as the Leeds Hardship Fund , the International Leeds Hardship Fund , and external funding through educational bodies and charitable trusts) and emergency hardship loans. Most will be sympathetic, especially if you and/or the person who assists you with paying the rent has lost that source of income due to the Coronavirus situation. Ensure your room and the communal areas of the property are left in a reasonable condition, free of waste and that the keys are returned in a timely manner. Even where local lockdowns are in operation students are still permitted to take up residence in their new accommodation. If you are struggling financially you should contact your Students' Union for advice and support on how to access hardship funding. The Guidance  has little to say about student accommodation provided outside of the educational institution under normal landlord and tenant arrangements. The universities that Unipol works with (and whose students we house) have made it clear that their services remain open and studying is continuing: Universities and accommodation providers are currently in the process of setting out their plans following the announcement on 31st October that the country would go back in to a national lockdown from November 5th. It comes as thousands of freshers say they’re trapped in their halls of residence after being asked to isolate. This should be assumed to cover rental periods for time when students were unable to occupy their properties where necessary. Q: I cannot get back to collect my belongings before the end of my tenancy. We guarantee accommodation to students entering into year one of their studies in order to enhance their student experience and settle them in to university life. This guidance does not reference a student's right under earlier guidance to move house, which appears to still be allowed. The links below are examples from some of the institutions Unipol work with. Search for accommodation in the Bradford area. When you arrive at your accommodation, the first thing you’ll want to do is unpack and plan where everything is going to go. Full report, The U-turn on A levels is likely to impact middle and lower tariff universities. Applying the Welsh approach would suggest a figure around £700 million for England. It can be a very lonely and isolating time for university students, with shops closed and the country under a stay-at-home order. You should wait 3 days before you put them outside for the rubbish collection. He told The Sun: "It’s always a good idea to approach your landlord first, explain your situation and try to negotiate with them. The vast majority of agreements do not contain break clauses or allow  you to give notice. Tier 3 (where stricter measures are needed): HE providers should increase the level of online learning to retain face-to-face provision for priority courses (for example, clinical and medical courses), and in as limited a number of situations as possible. Although acceptance does not necessarily mean a student attended. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Steve Barclay MP, responded: Clive Lewis MP has also received a response to his written question asking what plans the Treasury has to provide financial assistance to students in private rented accommodation who are unable to pay their rent as a result of the covid-19 outbreak. News Corp is a network of leading companies in the worlds of diversified media, news, education, and information services. Wider travel in England is permitted but restrictions remain in place in certain areas of the UK. Use household cleaner (detergent). Great Horton Road Rate your experience of renting in Leeds and read what other students have to say. People keep telling me I'm terribly brave. Some of the recommendations are summarised below: The additional student support of £50m in England was broadly welcomed and the announcement came shortly after the APPG Inquiry’s conclusions were published. How do i apply? If you are not shielding or self-isolating, you can allow your landlord or contractors access to your home in order to carry out a range of works. If you and your boyfriend are not married or have a child, then no, you cannot move in with your boyfriend in halls (and even if you were/did, it's only certain universities that accommodate students with families). It is possible that students may be entitled to a rent refund where what is provided differs significantly to what was stated beforehand and students entered in to accommodation agreements with their institution as a result i.e. Last week both UU and QUB closed their campuses to all but a handful of key employees. This seems more prevalent in the PBSA sector. Search for accommodation in the Leeds area. We expect that, in the majority of cases, this will be for those courses where it is most beneficial (for example, clinical or practical learning and research). University covid chaos: Can uni students return home? The Chief Secretary to the Treasury replied that: A: The funding will be distributed by the Office for Students directly to universities, which are best placed to assess student hardship locally. Travel between your new household and parental or previous home. Do not share towels, including hand towels and tea towels. For example, if you are in a group of six and are all currently living in different households and then want to view a property that is currently occupied and shown around by the landlord/ agent, you can see that this becomes unmanageable under the current restrictions. Local authorities and the police have strong powers to tackle anti-social behaviour available through the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. From 5th January the Governemt introduced the third national lockdown. Find more information about Universal Credit. University checklist. Q: My neighbours/other tenants in the property are disrupting my life with their anti-social behaviour. Wash your hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds. We expect these powers to continue to be used during the period affected by coronavirus. Any decisions on rent reductions will be up to your landlord and will be an individual business decision. This status had implications for the return of students to university campuses. How to reduce the spread of infection in your home. Unipol will expect our own properties to be clean. A: The majority of suppliers are asking students to book timeslots ahead of their arrival, with many also making contactless arrangements for the collection of keys and making of any payments required. This will ensure students have the financial support they need in these exceptional circumstances. stay on your own in one room as much as possible and keep the door closed, avoid using shared spaces (such as the kitchen) at the same time as other people – eat your meals in your room. you can leave your home for the purposes of study. Q: What is the Government saying about rent refunds? Students renting from a UK-wide university accommodation company are being held liable for hefty fees despite the coronavirus outbreak. If you use the same bathroom clean it each time after you use it. If you live in Leeds, Nottingham or Bradford you can use Unipol's Student Noticeboard to advertise your room. After you become a new household there are number of things to consider: If you join a new household and someone develop symptoms you should self-isolate at home for 7 days from when the symptoms started. The Government guidance issued on 21st May and last updated on 7th January states: In terms of preparing properties for incoming tenants the Government advice states: "Moves into student accommodation are allowed. If tenants were released from their tenancies this meant that landlords would incur council tax obligations and the Government should work with landlords to introduce measures to temporarily increase flexibility for student accommodation to allow students to leave contracts more easily. Within other guidance Government Guidance (MHCLG) to Landlords and Tenants (Available. Our operation and setup is very different to private landlords, who in most cases will not be able to sustain a drop in rental income. Consider wearing a face covering when in shared spaces. Some student suppliers are giving students who have not already entered into contracts a promise of flexibility. E: info@nottingham.unipol.org.uk. There is no specific Government advice for student accommodation. Search for accommodation in the Nottingham area. A: The Government issued guidance on 1st June 2020 which states: "Landlords are not required to do this. There are no restrictions on tenants returning to their homes and taking up their tenancies and they are allowed to do that at any time. Q: I heard that in Scotland students can give notice to leave a contract. Accommodation. A: Nobody can be removed from their home because of the virus. The Government “has prioritised the wellbeing and long-term futures of our young people and is not closing schools, colleges or universities”, so: Now that the academic year and teaching has begun things settled down. The government replaced the national lockdown restrictions from 2 December with a regionally-differentiated approach, where different tiers of restrictions apply in different parts of the country. By choosing to study at Birmingham, you can be part of an outstanding university, renowned for changing lives and transforming society. Use a different bathroom if possible. Most freshers’ weeks consisted of very little activity and the “rule of 6” and local restrictions meant that many of the limited actual social events planned by universities and students’ unions were cancelled - which meant that students had nothing to do other than create their own social events - which many did within their accommodation. With 551,000 full-time higher education students living in the private rented sector (2018-2019) and their Homes Fit for Study report reporting average monthly rental costs for students of £502 (£125.50 weekly), NUS’s recent survey data estimated that 22% students were in rent arrears (around 121,220 students). Moving into student accommodation: 50 essential things every student should take with them if leaving home for university. An excerpt from the letter that went to Unipol tenants on 22nd January 2021. Universities Scotland says allowing student accommodation to open means students can attend the university of their choice. You can access all this information HERE, The National Code website has a detailed summary of the recent guidance and provides a very useful commentary on estimates of current occupancy in student accommodation, rent refunds and offers a view on how to interpret the guidance on moving back to a term time address.