Public and private student accommodation providers must adopt a "uniform approach" to refunding for students who have left student accommodation early due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This is the view of Galway West Sinn Féin TD, Mairéad Farrell, who said she is aware of students and their parents being denied refunds once when they leave student accommodation early. In some cases, this can be as much as three months rent.
Dep Farrell said it was important that students in purpose built accommodation to know their licences are covered under the Residential Tenancies Act. Where landlords deny refunds of pre-paid rent, or deposits beyond the required notice period, complaints should be made to the Residential Tenancies Board.
Dep Farrell is calling on all student accommodation providers to provide refunds, and on the Ministers for Housing and Education to make "a clear statement calling for full refunds".
