COVID-19 Update: Rent Discount – 3rd February 2021

Following the ‘stay at home’ orders made last month across the United Kingdom, Unite Students announced a 4-week, 50% rent discount for students who were not in their accommodation at this time. Last week, the UK government announced that lockdown will continue in England until at least Monday 8 March 2021. Unite Students has now extended its 50% rent discount offer for an additional three weeks.

This means that the discount will apply for seven weeks in total, from 18 January to 8 March 2021, and students’ accounts will be credited with the discount in March. A further review will be carried out, should additional government guidelines on lockdowns be issued prior to Monday 8 March 2021.

All eligible students who have already applied for the discount will automatically qualify for the additional three weeks, as long as they have not been in residence in a Unite Students property between 18 January and 7 March 2021, and are up to date with their rent payments as of 14 February 2021. Those who have already applied will soon receive an email confirming their eligibility for the extension. Students who have not yet applied for the discount will be able to do so up until 14 February, and will be reminded how to apply via email.

As announced in January, a four-week rent-free contract extension will additionally be available over the summer to eligible students with a contract end date prior to 1 August 2021. This will allow students to take advantage of social, cultural or learning opportunities they may have missed out on this year.

We are pleased to be able to support students in this way amid the uncertainties and concerns of the current time. Approximately 50% of students living with Unite Students are currently in residence at present, and we are continuing to adapt our health and safety measures to ensure their safety and wellbeing, which you can read more about here.

Read more about our rent discount update here .