Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has called for student accommodation providers to show leniency and freeze rents while universities and colleges are shut to combat the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Carál Ní Chuilín said: 

“With colleges and universities closed as part of efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, together with many businesses where students may work, many students are worried about how they will pay for their accommodation. 

“While universities themselves have said rents will be frozen, which is welcome, some student housing providers have sent letters to students demanding that rent continue to be paid. 

“Some have even been told if they don’t pay rents the economy will collapse and they won’t be able to find jobs after graduating. Such scare tactics are unacceptable. 

“We need to see action taken to support students, many of whom are already struggling and I will be raising this matter with the economy minister Diane Dodds to see if any support can be given to students in this position.”