Student flat and problem neighbours - what is their legal position?

[OrchardDweller]

DD just moved into flat for her final year at uni. There is a constant smell of weed from the flat below and the the police have been called to the downstairs neighbour who was arrested for drugs and domestic violence last week. Yesterday they found a syringe on the stairs leading to their flat.

They don't want to live there anymore as they really don't feel safe. Help! Can anyone advise what their legal position is regarding the contract with the landlord? They've signed an agreement for the year and we certainly don't want to have to pay for the year if they move out. Every incident has been logged with the agent and she was going to talk to the landlord today. Do they have grounds for breaking the contract? All advice very welcome ...

[prh47bridge]

Unless there is a break clause in the tenancy agreement (which is unlikely) they will have to pay rent for the full year unless the landlord agrees to allow them to leave early.

The tenants using drugs may be in breach of their tenancy agreement, in which case the landlord may be able to terminate their tenancy.