Ending student tenancy early?

[Sturmundcalm]

DD has a room in private halls and the tenancy doesn't expire for another 6 weeks. Following the SG legislation she gave notice that she wants to terminate her tenancy.

They have now asked for "proof" that she's ending her tenancy for coronavirus-related reasons. She has been home since the weekend before lockdown because (a) the uni closed that Sunday and (b) she had a dental appt. Obviously the rules mean that she should stick with this household. Anyone got any advice though on how she goes back to landlord??

Here's the info Edinburgh provided for their students:
www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/support_and_advice/the_advice_place/covid19/#ACCOMMODATION
It includes an example of what to put in writing to the private hall provider but doesn't say you need to provide proof.

what they might be hinting at is that she probably wouldn't have any reason to stay in the accommodation much after lockdown dates without the covid restrictions. DS for example was due to have exams in the week after easter which were cancelled. Technically his tenancy would have to paid until end June but in reality he'd have come home.

However, if he's had a job he's intended to stay working at and stay living away, but got laid off for Covid, then Covid would be the only reason he would be home. If that makes sense?

thanks both

yeah - think they are just doing everything they can to prevent paying out... because she was at home this has ended up her "household" but not sure whether they will accept that or not. TBH, for her/us it's not the end of the world but it is just a bit annoying as they have blanked previous emails and a couple of DD's friends are still there and they haven't been v supportive of the folk who are still in halls!

We looked into the exact wording and decided it didn't apply to my DC's private halls because it wasn't 'institution owned' whereby they had shut up shop and told students to go home. The room is still available and he chose to leave early because of Covid, he could have stayed there. I was always going to have to pay over the summer anyway, as that's how those contracts work for 51 weeks of the year. Whether actually 'catching covid' would allow you a get-out I don't know. I suppose it needs a test case.

One law firm's take on it: www.morton-fraser.com/knowledge-hub/changes-for-the-student-accommodation-sector

they appear to be giving in and accepting the position now. will see what happens, and whether she actually gets a refund!

@Sturmundcalm

they appear to be giving in and accepting the position now. will see what happens, and whether she actually gets a refund!

Can you let us know what happens re the extent of the Corona Virus proof required and if you get refunded? Are you arguing that coming home for the appointment coinciding with lock down, forced her to stay with you and not return? I have noticed that the company owning my DC's halls are making their conditions of rental more flexible for next year owing to Corona Virus but that's probably because no one new is willing to sign up at the moment, although many people would typically have done so already.

Still not had definite confirmation in writing but she was told about 10 days ago that it was being "passed on" and that her notice date would stand as the date she formally notified. When she phoned a couple of days ago she was told that they were putting in place a team to deal with these requests and someone would be in touch shortly. Will see!

She got email today confirming that she's getting refund as per her emailed notice date, her deposit back and they'll make arrangements from 29th June for bookable slots to pick up belongings.

Only "proof" was her emails although she did say (truthfully) that she was home for dental appt/family issues and could provide evidence if required.