Accessibility Tools
Sign in
Click to Search Click to Search

Accommodation

Since the pandemic began in March 2020 JMSU have been working with our local Students’ Unions at Hope and The Liverpool Guild, in addition to supporting national campaigns via the National Union of Students.  There is still much work to be done and we think that Government intervention is key to this.  We want to give you an update of our Accommodation Campaign work since the beginning of the most recent lockdown in January 2021. 

Letter to national government with support from all Liverpool students’ unions 

Earlier in January, 2021 our full-time officers have sent a collaborative letter to national government demanding financial compensation and rent rebates due to the pandemic.  We have asked government to: 

  • Develop and publish a clear strategy to recompense those affected through tuition fee refunds  

  • Provide rent rebates without penalty   

  • Provide a comprehensive student support package, ensuring no student is financially impacted as a direct result of this pandemic.  

Letter to Purpose-Built Student Accommodation Providers 

Many LJMU students live in Purpose-Built Student Accommodation and we have communicated with these providers via various channels to advocate on your behalf. 

We are calling on all PBSA providers in the city to voluntarily enact five measures outlined below:  

  1. Allow students to be released from tenancy contracts if they wish so, without financial penalties.  

  1. Refund 100% of rent for the weeks during the 3rd national lockdown in which students have been advised to not return to the city and be on campus, in line with national government guidance.  

  1. Commit to not charging rent for students who are not occupying rooms.  

  1. Refund the rent paid by students that never moved into their accommodation.  

  1. Refund the rent for the weeks during the travel window before Christmas when students were planning to travel home were legally obliged to leave their student accommodations early.  

You can read our full letter here: https://www.jmsu.co.uk/articles/an-open-letter-to-liverpool-s-student-accommodation-providers  

 

Where can I access Housing Advice? 

While JMSU does not have specialist housing advisors LJMU students can access housing support via Liverpool Student Homes. If you have questions regarding your contract or feel as though your landlord is treating you unfairly and is not prepared to be flexible or engage in discussions with you, it is important that you contact Liverpool Student Homes who will be able to act and support you. 

Access Liverpool Student Homes advice: https://www.liverpoolstudenthomes.org/Pages/Complaint%20form  

 

Which Accommodation Providers are currently providing discounts or rent refunds? 

Access up to date information here https://www.liverpoolstudenthomes.org/Pages/Coronavirus#January%20rent%20changes  

 

Updates from Liverpool Student Homes 17 March, 2021 

Accommodation provider Changes to contract terms 2021
UNITE 50% discount on rent (18 January - 8 March) for students unable to return to site. Students can also stay for an extra 4 weeks in the summer. UPDATE 5/3/21 - UNITE have announced that eligible students who have already applied for a discount will have the 50% rent discount period extended by another 3 weeks
Student Roost Up to 6 weeks rent discount for students currently unable to return to site (must apply by January 25). UPDATE 16/3/21 - Student Roost have announced that eligible students can apply to have the rent discount period extended by another 4 weeks (must apply by 23:59 GMT 26 March)
L1 Lettings Considering requests on a case-by-case basis
Norford Developments Considering requests on a case-by-case basis
iQ Student 6 week rent free period from 5 January - 15 February for students currently unable to return to site paying their rent direct to iQ. UPDATE 10/3/21 - iQ have announced that eligible students who have already applied and qualified for a discount will have the rent discount period extended by up to 8 weeks to 12 April
Gather Students 50% discount on rent for 6 weeks (4 January - 15 Februray) for students currently unable to return to site (must apply by 20 January)
Hello Student Have contacted current tenants to assess their individual needs, considering requests on a case-by-case basis. Package of financial support in place to assist students for a period of at least 12 weeks throughout Spring term
The Student Housing Company 50% discount on rent for a 6 week period for students currently unable to return to site (must apply by 31 January). Rent will be discounted from the last rent payment
Calico 4 week rent rebate for students unable to return for remainder of semester, discounted from the last payment made in the 3rd semester
Nido Student 50% rent rebate for 10 week period from 5 January for students unable to return to residence. Students who have remained on site will receive a £250 rebate for the same period to recognise the impact on their living experience. Students also being provided with a 3 week free extension to their stay