Paying rent and rent arrears

All landlords whether they are private landlords or Universities are self financing and therefore any losses due to unpaid rent impact on the landlords. This ultimately impacts on other students by increasing rents in future years and may impact on the landlord’s ability to improve the properties.

The tenancy agreement is an important document. It will tell your child for how long they are renting the property and waht their rent liabilities are. It may also set out the rent payment dates and any penalties for late payment. If your child is unable to pay their rent on a rent payment date the housing provider will often agree to a date in the future for it to be paid. Encourage your child not to put their head in the sand and ignore the matter.

Housing providers will have a rent collection system that will include a reminder being sent out, then a solicitors letter and then ultimately court action.

Release from a Tenancy Agreement

Most housing providers will insist on the rent for the length of the tenancy agreement regardless of whether your child is living in the property.  So if they decide to move out for whatever reason they are liable to pay the rent up to the end of the end date on the tenancy agreement.   Even if you child leaves University they are liable to pay the full amount of the rent.

Housing providers may allow your child to find someone to replace them and take over your child’s financial responsibilities but ensure that your child is not assuming this will happen - there will be formal papers to sign to show they have been released from the contract.