Temporary Covid-19 Rent Release Policy
Please note the temporary release policy closed on 7th May.
We understand that for some students, remaining in your University residence was no longer necessary for your learning attainment following Government announcements about a very limited return to in-person teaching before 17 May. From 20 April to 7 May we offered tenancy release to students for whom one or more of the following statements applied:
- I have been told that there is no in person learning for the remainder of the academic year;
- A relevant practitioner has confirmed that my health and wellbeing will suffer if I return to / remain in University residences during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic; and/or
- As a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic, I consider that returning to / remaining in residence will significantly inhibit my ability to complete my learning and assessments this academic year.
How to apply
Applications for tenancy release have now closed, as the 7th May was the deadline for applying and by which students were required to move out.
If you wish to move out after the 7th May, the tenancy release option is not be available and your tenancy and rent liability will run to your current, standard tenancy end date.
If you applied before the deadline
If you applied before the closing date you should move out on the date your provided in your form and, as long as that date was on or before 7th May, we will be processing your new tenancy end date as soon as your departure from your residence and your key return is confirmed. Once your rent account has been adjusted to reflect your new account balance, we will email you to confirm. Please note that due to the volume of tenancy amendments we are processing, this may take up to two weeks from your departure.
Frequently asked questions
I am not in the UK, how can I clear my room?
If you are not able to return yourself to pack your room, you can arrange for a company or friend to do so on your behalf.
We cannot make recommendations for any companies to use. We do know that students have in the past used this company to do this: https://door2doorstudentstorage.com/. You will have to carry out your own research to identify which company will best suit your needs and budget.
You must confirm to us in advance by emailing residences-facilities@bristol.ac.uk from your University email address who is going to access your room for this purpose. We reserve the right to accompany them to the entrance of your room.
Can the University pack/store my belongings?
We are unable to store your belongings for you and you cannot store items in your room beyond your tenancy end date. The University uses these rooms in the summer period for other uses, and therefore all rooms must be fully vacated by your tenancy end date, as outlined in your accommodation contract.
The University cannot pack, store or ship belongings for you or on your behalf. If you are not able to return yourself to pack your room, you can arrange for a company or friend to do so on your behalf. You must confirm to us in advance by emailing residences-facilities@bristol.ac.uk from your University email address who is going to access your room for this purpose. We reserve the right to accompany them to the entrance of your room.
Am I allowed to return to clear my room?
Under current restrictions in England, returning to clear your room would be permitted travel in order to move home. If you are outside of the England, you must ensure you have checked the restrictions local to you as we are unable to confirm whether this is permitted or not.
I don’t want the things in my room anymore
The University is not able to dispose of belongings on a student’s behalf. If you are not able to return yourself to dispose of items, you can arrange for a company or friend to do so on your behalf. There are suggestions about what to do with belongings that are no longer needed in the moving out guidance which you may find helpful.
You must confirm to us in advance by emailing residences-facilities@bristol.ac.uk from your University email address who is going to access your room for this purpose. We reserve the right to accompany them to the entrance of your room.
There will be a charge for any items left in your room at the end of your tenancy as per the end of tenancy charge process.
What will happen to my next rent payment?
Due to the short timescale between the Government announcement and our next payment deadline, if you have a Recurring Card Payment or Direct Debit set up, it may mean that we collect your April 24th instalment even if you apply for tenancy release.
We apologise for this but want to assure you that if you do apply for tenancy release, once your rent account has been adjusted to reflect your new tenancy end date, any overpayment of rent will be returned to you as a refund.
What if I want/need to come back at a later stage?
If after tenancy release you have an academic reason to return to Bristol you can contact us at accom-office@bristol.ac.uk to request a short stay booking. Please note this will not be in your original room/residence.
Wellbeing and support
We have a range of free support and wellbeing services available.
Financial help
If you’re experiencing financial hardship we have some emergency funding options that may be able to help.