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Original poster

House share student dropped out before start of tenancy

39 replies

LindorDoubleChoc · 15/08/2025 18:46

Any ideas gratefully received.

My son is in year 2 going into year 3 and had found a house share for six with five friends/fellow students. They got as far as tenancy agreements being drawn up but one of the six has now dropped out (I'm not sure if they signed the agreement or not).

The remainder have been advertising and putting the word out but no luck with finding a replacement so far. It's getting stressful as the new tenancy starts on 5th September (from memory).

WWYD as a concerned parent (and guarantor!) without taking over or trying to solve the problem for them? If there are any helpful pointers I'd like to nudge them in the right direction.

TIA.

OP posts:
Sadteacher · 15/08/2025 19:04

Arlanymor · 15/08/2025 19:01

Usually the person who drops out has to find a replacement or else pay until a replacement is found. Student accommodation is at such a premium I am sure a replacement will be found through clearing if nothing else. Plus if you're only guarantor for your son's share then you've got nothing to worry about.

Totally agree, this is the case with my son too.

Sadteacher · 15/08/2025 19:03

Dearover · 15/08/2025 18:59

When DD had to move out of her house share, we continued to pay her share of the rent until a replacement was found. I think we paid for both her new and old rooms for around 4 months. We refused to contribute towards utilities as she wasn't using the heating etc. The landlord was happy with this.

From another perspective, my daughter was in a house share of 3 a few years ago. One girl dropped out and refused to pay any more towards the bills. My daughter and her housemate made the argument they signed up for a house of 3, so budgeted for a third of the bills. Why should they then have to pay half the bills ( things like broadband, standing charges don’t decrease just because someone is missing) it was quite unfair.

Dearover · 15/08/2025 19:02

There is a strong chance they have joint & several liability. Did you read the contract and guarantor agreements carefully.

It's always easier to collect the full rent from those remaining in the property and their parents, rather than chasing the one who isn't there.

KnickerlessParsons · 15/08/2025 19:01

Is it an option for the remaining 5 to split the cost between them? Even just for a while?

Arlanymor · 15/08/2025 19:01

Usually the person who drops out has to find a replacement or else pay until a replacement is found. Student accommodation is at such a premium I am sure a replacement will be found through clearing if nothing else. Plus if you're only guarantor for your son's share then you've got nothing to worry about.

Divebar2021 · 15/08/2025 18:59

Surely there will be kids going through clearing who won’t get into halls now?

Dearover · 15/08/2025 18:59

When DD had to move out of her house share, we continued to pay her share of the rent until a replacement was found. I think we paid for both her new and old rooms for around 4 months. We refused to contribute towards utilities as she wasn't using the heating etc. The landlord was happy with this.

Original poster
LindorDoubleChoc · 15/08/2025 18:58

Did you not check what you guaranteed?

I guaranteed to cover my son's share of the rent. What was I missing?

OP posts:
Spirallingdownwards · 15/08/2025 18:57

LindorDoubleChoc · 15/08/2025 18:53

It's in Brighton @Denim4ever.

I'm not sure @Sadteacher, not sure how tenancy agreements for student lets work.

Well immediately if you are guarantor get a copy of the tenancy agreement you are guaranteeing!

Dearover · 15/08/2025 18:56

Did you not check what you guaranteed?

Most say the missing tenant or their guarantor should pay, but it's easier to get the money from the 5 remaining in the property or their guarantors. They have probably committed to pay as a group not as individuals

Dearover · 15/08/2025 18:53

First years only received their results yesterday. There will be some looking for an affordable room who got an insurance place or clearing. Get them posting on their uni SM pages and contact their accommodation office to say they need another person.

Original poster
LindorDoubleChoc · 15/08/2025 18:53

It's in Brighton @Denim4ever.

I'm not sure @Sadteacher, not sure how tenancy agreements for student lets work.

OP posts:
Denim4ever · 15/08/2025 18:50

Whereabouts is this?

Sadteacher · 15/08/2025 18:49

My son has had someone drop out, but he signed his own agreement to cover his share.
Surely the one who dropped out signed his contract or the agent wouldn’t have confirmed they had the house?