DS coming to end of first year uni, in hall. Soon after moving in, made friends with lads in his flat and 4 of them organized 2nd year accommodation in the town. SU housing advice was not to panic - not to rush - and to seek advice before signing contracts. The boys ignored all this.
Found themselves with having to pay a retainer (OK, usual practice) for 3 months - June, July, August - then full rent from 1st Sept though term doesn't start until much later in the month.
Have found out, from looking at a load of student union web pages that most retainers are two months, June and July. My DS is worried - he's paid the deposit but can't rise to three months of a retainer (50% of the full rent) - and neither can we, at least not without a great deal of difficulty. I've spoken to the landlord - seems very affable but determined to get the money off this lads pronto. I've also spoken, way back, to the housing officer at son's uni - helpful and reinforced advice that students should seek SU advice before rushing into contracts.
DS highly unlikely to go near the SU himself - have asked him to do so repeatedly. Is it likely, if I call them (or DS finally gets there) that they might negotiate with this landlord who, presumably, wants to keep on the right side of the student population? Unfortunately, one of their number has already paid the retainer. A particularly well off young man.
Does 3 months' retainer seem excessive? The house would be empty but, according to DS, there is work to do in it before September. And the landlord wants DS to give him his student number. Is this normal practice?
DS long way from home - DH collecting him soon and wondering if he shouldn't pop by and see the landlord. Thoughts/advice - thanks!