“It’s About Survival”: Students and Tenants on Rent Strike During Coronavirus Blockade

However, housing advocates say this does not go far enough, and they are calling on the government to suspend all rent payments and waive all arrears until the pandemic ends.

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The London Tenants Union claims that unless these measures are introduced, thousands of tenants could see their tenants end as soon as the emergency eviction stay does. The group has expressed concern that many tenants are not eligible for government income support schemes, and even for those who are entitled to 80 percent of their salary, this may not be enough to cover the rent as well. like food and other essentials.

The New Economics Foundation has also recommended that private rent be suspended to help about 1.2 million tenants at risk of losing their jobs during the pandemic. The expert group report recommends a three-month suspension to protect those facing severe financial difficulties.

In an open letter to Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick, the LRU also warned that government policies are “undermining public health” as people are forced to leave the house due to pressure. to continue paying the rent.

Dr. Alex Baker, a postdoctoral researcher in urban studies and planning at the University of Sheffield, also warns that we could see “a new wave of evictions and claims once the courts are in session again.”

“Second, rent arrears don’t go away,” he said. “Many, if not most, of the holdings include late fees, and there is nothing to stop the arrears and interest accrued during this time.

“In practice, while the [evictions] The suspension keeps people off the streets right now, it can do more to help “flatten the curve” for the judicial system than to protect tenants from eviction. “

But a government spokesman said it had implemented “unprecedented measures to support tenants facing financial difficulties due to the coronavirus.”

“Tenants are still required to pay rent and should continue to do so whenever possible,” they said. “We urge tenants who may be experiencing problems to contact their landlord as soon as possible and that the parties reach an agreement if there are problems with payment.”

A spokesman for the Department of Education said it encourages universities and private landlords to “consider the interests and fairness of students in their decisions about rental charges for this period.”

They said the DfE has worked with the Office for Students to help universities use existing £ 46 million in April and May for their hardship funds for students, including international students.

They also noted that people who work part-time may be eligible for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, and students will continue to receive maintenance loan payments.

Unless more government support is offered, many students and tenants feel compelled to join a strike or demand rent reductions to protect themselves. But as they back off, some say their demands are being met with mockery and aggression by the owners.

More than 100 residents living in a block in Somerford Grove, east London, are now considering starting a rent strike after their request for a 20 percent rent reduction was rejected, and the rental agent went out. He refused to accept that any tenants were evicted during the pandemic.

Leasing agent Tower Quay told tenants that their request was “unreasonable” and said they should use the money they would have spent on lunches and vacations to pay the full amount owed. The agent added that “property wear and tear is increasing” during the closing, meaning there was no justification for a reduction in rent.

Marc Sutton, 41, one of the residents who signed the letter, described Tower Quay’s response as “completely out of touch.”

“I think I am very typical of residents in the building with many of us working as freelancers or multiple jobs in concert jobs,” he said. “We are finding fewer jobs and paying less and less, and some tenants now have universal credit.”

Marc added that since the residents sent the letter asking for a rent reduction, the owner has tightened security around the block with people who were “filmed by guards.”

“Several residents have said they feel they are in prison and a few who have not been involved have told me that they are having panic attacks and are afraid to leave their apartments,” he said.

Tower Quay did not respond to a request for comment. There is no suggestion that the owner, billionaire John Christodolou, know the content of the letter.

Alfie Brepotra, a sophomore administration student at Warwick and one of the organizers of the student rental strike group that has brought together 650 members, said: “The owners are taking advantage of students who are in a very precarious position during the coronavirus crisis.

“It is ridiculous to suggest that parents should apply for universal credit, especially since the amount that two adults could receive would only cover the rent for some students.”

He added: “Filling the pockets of property investment companies and homeowners is not our priority in these difficult times.”

While the University of Warwick has canceled contracts for students who rent on campus, many of those who rent off-campus to private landlords are still required to pay. However, many of the rentals will be arranged through the university’s property management agency.

A spokesperson for the University of Warwick said: “Off-campus rent during the current situation continues to present complex challenges for all involved.

“Our principal and our immediate focus are on student hardships, ensuring that students with real financial support needs can access the help they need through the college student hardship scheme, rather than taking any other action that may lead to a potentially costly and lengthy legal process. disputes, particularly with private sector owners. “

Despite the rejection landlords have faced, many rent strikers hope the movement forged during the pandemic will help them push for more protections for tenants once it’s over.

David Murphy, one of the organizers of the University of Lancaster rental strike and a communications officer for the Acorn Tenants Union, said the coronavirus crisis has “exposed the power disparity between landlords and tenants” .

“In our case, we have seen that the university has put its desire to make a profit on the well-being of its students during a public health emergency,” he said.

The 22-year MA student in international relations added: “People tend to idealize the idea of ​​a rent strike and have it as their primary goal, but ultimately we want better protections for tenants even after the pandemic ends.”

David said that in recent weeks, the Lancaster affiliate of the Acorn Tenant Union has seen a lot of members as more than 200 students joined the rental strike. Strikers are calling for cancellation of rent for summer college accommodation for all students, not just those who have completely vacated their rooms.

A spokesperson for the University of Lancaster said: “As part of our plan to support students through Covid-19, the University of Lancaster made the decision to offer reduced housing rates to many of our students in housing managed by the university this term. We appreciate that this is a very challenging time for our community and hope this helps ease the financial burden for some students. “

Charlotte, who has lost 80 percent of her income since the closing began, said: “The pandemic has created a window of change for tenants.

“It makes you realize how much you have to fight, even after the blockade ends.”