Leaving in a Hurry

It is impossible to say with any certainty what will happen in terms of further lockdowns, social distancing and travelling restrictions. What we do know from this year is that, if you need to leave your student accommodation suddenly, you may be away longer than expected and there are certain things you should do in case you are not able to return by the end of the tenancy/contract.

Private Rented Accommodation

If you live with others and you are all named on the same tenancy/occupation contract, you will be legally deemed as joint tenants. This means that you are all equally liable for all of the rent, damage and cleanliness of the property. If this is the case, the first thing you will need to do is to discuss your intention to leave the property with the other joint tenants. It is important to decide who is staying or going with the understanding that:

• As joint tenants you will all be jointly liable for any shortfall in the rent. You are not entitled to stop paying rent just because you move out. If any tenant does stop paying, the landlord Lame are leaving, all tenants will be liable for any damage or dirt caused, regardless of who stayed and who left. This should only be an issue if the tenants who leave do not return by the end of the tenancy but is an important consideration as you are unlikely to know how long any particular lockdown will last.
• You then must notify your landlord or accommodation provider in writing that you have left or intend to leave the property and explain your reason for doing so. If you do not do this, there is a possibility that your landlord or accommodation provider could claim ‘abandonment’ of the property. This has more complex and serious legal implications, so you must keep your landlord informed if you decide to leave. As above, you will normally remain liable for rent during your absence but you can try and negotiate ending the contract or finding a replacement tenant if you do not plan on returning. 
• You should ideally aim to ensure that your property is as clean as if you were leaving at the end of the tenancy. You should take photographs of the condition of the property when you leave so that you are not liable for any damage that may occur when you are not there. Make notes and take photographs of any damage, mould, damp and appliances in the property. If some tenants are staying, the situation becomes more complicated. You can still make sure that your room is cleaned and take photos, but you will need to come to an agreement about the communal areas. You can agree to return and clean at the end but you may not know for certain if that will be possible. You can also agree to clean the house thoroughly when you leave if the remaining tenants agree to keep the property clean thereafter. Be aware though, that if you are not able to return by the end of the tenancy and there are charges for cleaning or damage, all tenants can be pursued
• Finally, you will need to decide whether or not to take your possessions with you. If you do not, we strongly recommend that you make sure your possessions are safely stored in your room and clearly labelled with your name and contact details and a statement that the items should not be disposed of.

Cardiff University Residences

• You will need to notify your Residences reception that you have left or intend to leave your room and explain your reason for doing so. If you are choosing to leave because of further lockdowns, the University can still require you to pay for your room for the remainder of the contract. The only exceptions to this are if you withdraw from the university, take an approved interruption of study or you can demonstrate exceptional reason for needing an early release from the contract. 
• You should ideally aim to ensure that your property is as clean as if you were leaving at the end of the contract. You should take photographs of the condition of the accommodation when you leave so that you are not liable for any damage that may occur when you are not there. If some students in your flat are staying, the situation becomes more complicated. You can still make sure that your room is cleaned and take photos, but you will need to come to an agreement about the communal areas. You can agree to return and clean at the end but you may not know for certain if that will be possible. You can also agree to clean the flat thoroughly when you leave if the remaining occupiers agree to keep the accommodation clean thereafter. Be aware though, that if you are not able to return by the end of the contract and there are charges for cleaning or damage, you may be asked to contribute to the cost.
• Finally, you will need to decide whether or not to take your possessions with you. If you do not, we strongly recommend that you make sure your possessions are safely stored in your room and clearly labelled with your name and contact details and a statement that the items should not be disposed of.

Private Halls of Residence

• You will need to notify your accommodation provider that you have left or intend to leave your room and explain your reason for doing so. If you are choosing to leave because of further lockdowns, the accommodation provider may still require you to pay for your room for the remainder of the contract. You will need to check what your contract says on this point and if your accommodation provider is prepared to release you, should you not want to return.
• You should ideally aim to ensure that your property is as clean as if you were leaving at the end of the contract. You should take photographs of the condition of the accommodation when you leave so that you are not liable for any damage that may occur when you are not there. If you share a flat with others and they are are staying, the situation becomes more complicated. You can still make sure that your room is cleaned and take photos, but you will need to come to an agreement about the communal areas. You can agree to return and clean at the end but you may not know for certain if that will be possible. You can also agree to clean the flat thoroughly when you leave if the remaining occupiers agree to keep the accommodation clean thereafter. Be aware though, that if you are not able to return by the end of the contract and there are charges for cleaning or damage, you may be asked to contribute to the cost.
• Finally, you will need to decide whether or not to take your possessions with you. If you do not, we strongly recommend that you make sure your possessions are safely stored in your room and clearly labelled with your name and contact details and a statement that the items should not be disposed of.

Contact Student Advice

Advice@cardiff.ac.uk
+44 (0)2920 781410