AQW 14135/17-22

Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 05/02/2021
Answered On Date: 26/02/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities whether she will consider legislation, similar to that in Scotland, permitting students to end their tenancies in purpose-built student accommodation after giving 28 days’ notice, due to COVID-19.

Answer:

Any tenant in the Private Rented Sector with a tenancy of less than five years here can to end their tenancies after giving 28 days’ notice.

I would however note that the obligation to fulfil a contract between individuals is legally binding and it is outside the powers of my Department to change this.

Any students who may be experiencing financial hardship, should contact their Higher Education Institution to determine if they are eligible to receive support.