Some unis ask you or allow you to list your preferences for insurance accommodation. However, it doesn’t tend be more than a preference and no contracts or money are exchanged.
Uni owned housing doesn’t tend to ask for money before results or to actually allocate specific accom.
Private halls will usually rent to people at any point, sign contracts and require deposits.
I think OP didn’t understand the terms. She didn’t realise that if DS got the grades for his firm and went there, he wouldn’t meet the criteria to pull out of ‘not meeting grades’ but would then be in category of just deciding to go elsewhere
It sounds like even if Op mentioned to the provider close to results day that he wouldn’t be coming, only now is she filling in the form and as yet hasn’t provided the evidence of reason that they require. Until all that has been done it wouldn’t be possible for them to look to reallocate the room. And of course the window for letting to insurance and Clearing students is pretty much closed as terms are starting.
On this basis, I’d be surprised if Student Roost refund and they are totally able to charge for the year unless a replacement is found.
Unfortunately Op didn’t read the terms carefully in the website and also didn’t read the email she received from Student Roost carefully which never made any promise of returning money for the reason DC is not going there.
It is a case of Buyer Beware. And I don’t think SR would be unreasonable to withhold and charge. If everyone signed for properties at firm and insurance, half of those rooms would find the student wanting their money back as everyone can only take up one place. Of course that’s not a viable way to run a business. Quite simply, if you want the guarantee of a certain room and sign a contract, you are bound by the terms.
As SR say, they can show discretion. And as their email says, favourable discretion is more likely to be shown v early on after results. But we are 6 weeks on now. It is asking an awful lot, as this firm potentially faces not just the loss of £1k but a year’s rent. I think Op will do well if all she forfeits is that deposit. I’d expect her to be held to the full rent unless another tenant is found.
Sorry - not what OP wants to hear, but when you read the terms - which are actually clear - it’s obvious that an insurance candidate who achieved the higher grades for their firm, would not meet the requirements for a refund….and knowing that, they shouldn’t have signed for the room unless DS had zero interest in his firm choice.