Howell Backs Students In Accomodation Quandry As The Covid-19 Crisis Continues.
Sinn Féin Councillor Róisín Howell has called for student accommodation providers to show leniency and freeze rents while universities and colleges are shut to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Slieve Croob councillor who herself has a daughter studying at college in Dublin and a son at Queen’s in Belfast said: “Colleges and universities have closed to stop the spread of COVID-19, and this alongside the closure of businesses like restaurants and bars where many students work has left them bereft and worried about how they are to pay for their accommodation.
“In this past ten days I have been contacted by several students and their parents who are extremely anxious at the prospect of struggling to pay rent for accommodation not in use.
“The students have returned home in adherence of social distancing measures, and many have returned home to families which may have found themselves currently without a steady flow of income.
“These students are finding themselves in entirely unprecedented times. The uncertainty of the whole situation is stressful enough for students and parents without the added financial burden of rent for an unoccupied flat in these difficult times.”
Cllr Howell added: “Queen’s University,Belfast, and the Ulster University have stated that any student wishing to terminate their lease early for the halls of residence would not be financially penalised.
“In stark contrast some student housing providers and private landlords have sent letters to students demanding that rent must be paid in full.
“My Sinn Féin colleagues have raised the issue with the Economy Minister Diane Dodd’s who has responsibility for student support in the Higher Education Sector. Our Ministerial Team will also be raising the issue of protections for renters at Executive level.
“Action needs to be taken to support our students who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in this incredibly difficult situation.”
