I reeeally want to move

 [Global Mod hat on]

This is a discussion about Sprigged experiences in London, not a Civil Liberties debate.  Start a new discussion in pettifog if that what you want to talk about. 

Well the accommodation officer was extremely unsupportive.

He said I was in a safe area, all the halls were in safe areas, etc. I mentioned one was in Hackney which (no offense) is one of the most notorious boroughs in the UK. He said Hackney is a large area, and parts of it are safe. I mentioned police records...he implied I was lying. 

I suppose that is why I was *freaked out* when I was there looking at their hall around 11 am with my 6ft7 very strong brother...and so was he.

All he could say is that my documented reasons were not reason to release me....essentially a big get over it. I am really upset.  :\\\'( I insisted on speaking to his boss, who was not in. He said she will "call me".

He also claims the rapes didn't happen, and he would feel safe in that area. Well, I would HOPE that men don't proposition him for sex, grab him or look down his shirt. 

All he could say is that my documented reasons were not reason to release me....essentially a big get over it. I am really upset.  :\\\'( I insisted on speaking to his boss, who was not in. He said she will "call me".

Call them everyday until the boss calls you.  Be pleasant and friendly but a burr under their saddle.  They need to investigate this.  If they don't take it seriously, then got the VP of the Uni who looks after students. 

Don't forget to document everything, every conversation, every incedent in the halls, on the street etc..

Be strong!

Call them everyday until the boss calls you.  Be pleasant and friendly but a burr under their saddle.  They need to investigate this.  If they don't take it seriously, then got the VP of the Uni who looks after students. 

Don't forget to document everything, every conversation, every incedent in the halls, on the street etc..

Be strong!

I agree. Keep at them. That is an extremely irresponsible attitude. I mean to even suggest that because he feels safe....what a f'ng idiot. I would certainly mention that remark as well to his boss.

Be strong and keep in touch here. Our thoughts are with you.

(((((((Sprigged))))))))

I don't know what to say.  You are unsafe and you know it.  They are in business to make money and apparently left no out in the contract.  The university is also owned by the govenment, so I don't know how much of tenancy rights applies in this case.

However, from the Office of Fair Trade "Unfair Terms in Tenancy Agreements":

A tenant who cancels wrongfully, and thereby causes loss to the landlord, cannot expect a full refund of all prepayments. However we are likely to consider a term that deprives the tenant of everything paid in advance, regardless of the actual costs or losses caused by the cancellation, to be an unfair penalty (see Group 5).

http://www.oft.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/DAAEFE58-1AAB-422A-AFED-BDE6C654A4EE/0/oft356.pdf

I can forsee the housing department claiming that they can't fill the room in the middle of the year, and therefore they have suffered total loss.

Your campus might have a legal advisor for off campus housing, letting agreements, etc. who you could approach about this issue.

Not sure what all sorts of things they cover, but could Citizens Advice Bureau help you out at all?

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/

I was surprised that his boss called me within a few hours. She was a million times more supportive, apologized for what had happened to me, and tried to resolve it. She offered me another room in Elephant and Castle (in a hall which is no improvement), but I declined. She said that it is possible that someone may take up a room during easter break (which starts Thursday), and *very* likely that I will be out by late May by the EFL students coming in.

So, at the very least, I am not stuck here until Sept., but at worst until May, which is halfway through the summer term. She said the inside of the hall is safe (I agree), and apologized for my treatment outside of the hall, and said it happens in big cities everywhere (true).

I want to thank all of you for your support. It honestly means a great deal to me. I will keep you updated on my progress. My hope is that with the days getting longer, I will be a bit safer.

Victoria (sprigged)

I hope it all works out for you!

Victoria


Do you have a student's union wlefare officer you could also flag this too?

Victoria (the other one)

I am sooo glad that someone is taking this seriously.  Hopefully, your living situation will sort itself out soon.  Keep at it!

I have a Semi- update.

I found a new flat in a safer area. I am still tied by the contract, however a fellow student has contacted me, wanting to to move from their parents' house. So please hope for me that it works out! 

(I'm praying I won't have to pay double rent.  )

I am nervous about signing a new contract...I hope that alleivates.

Good luck!  I hope this situation works out and the other student takes your flat.  Keep us updated!

Congratulations! It all sounds very promising!

I hope things work out for you - let us know how it goes.

Put down the holding deposit, yeah! 

You won't believe this, but the landloard is giving me wood floors...for free! 

I hope he stays this good