Self-isolating students in payment dispute with landlords
Leeds students who have to self-isolate are apparently being told to pay more rent
Last updated 5th Jul 2021
After a year of online learning, a lack of socials and tuition fee petitions, students in Leeds are now fighting for help, as their landlords ask for more rent from those having to self- isolate.
The academic year has come to an end, and people are going back to their parents home, all across the country.
But with a rate of more than 140,000 per 100,000 people in Hyde Park, many young people are being told by the government to self-isolate.
However, we're hearing that landlords across the city have apparently told students they need to pay for between another 1-3 months rent for the days they isolate in their property.
Beth, study's at the University at Leeds, she said:
"My lettings agent charging us £300, was us getting off lightly, compared to some other students who were asked to pay 3 months rent for 10 days isolation, which would have been £4,000, so compared to other students we got off lightly.
"There could have been some negotiation around that, and when the landlords came back saying, we're going to charge you full rent for you having a virus, I couldn't comprehend how someone would think that's morally right."
Many people have reached out to charities for help and advice on where they stand.
Fred Gallucci is from Acorn Leeds, he said:
"The law is unfortunately on the landlords side, which I don't think is particularly fair when it's a serious public health issue. Renters are stuck somewhere between a rock and a hard place.
"We've had 30 emails, but it's probably bigger than that, but there's not a lot renters can do, and students aren't wealthy, so they can't take that hit, just like anyone else, people are in difficult situations.
"I think this stems from the lack of structural support put in place."