An Open Letter to Landlords

Dear Landlords / Private Providers,

We are all facing challenging, unprecedented times during the coronavirus pandemic. With teaching and assessment now taking place online, the need for students to live in rented accommodation close to campus is greatly reduced as many have family homes to return to.

We know that many of our students are experiencing concern about the financial impact this crisis is having on them and on the security of their accommodation. Some private tenants are struggling to pay for their rent and food and are worried they may be forced to move out. Many have lost their jobs or other sources of income as a result of the pandemic and no longer have the means to pay rent.

Recently published Government guidelines state the importance of landlords offering support and understanding to students. Therefore, the Government and the National Residential Landlords Association are asking landlords to show compassion.

For these reasons, we kindly ask you to consider the following, if you are not already doing so.

• Follow the University’s lead by allowing students to end their tenancies early without penalty
• End all evictions for the duration of the crisis, and extend tenancy for those students that need it
• Follow the University’s lead and review rents
• Signpost any students to the Union of Students or University on the email below if they report they need any support

We understand the financial cost to you, and we cannot compel you to do this, but we ask for your generosity in considering the situation of your tenants – our students – and their wellbeing during these unprecedented times. Please address any queries in the first instance to vpactivities@derbyunion.co.uk

Yours faithfully,