By Ian McConnell

MAJOR student accommodation providers are offering rent discounts to residents following government advice to people not to return to university campuses amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Unite Students is offering students a 50 per cent rent discount for four weeks, in response to the restrictions implemented by the UK Government and devolved administrations.

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The company, which describes itself as the UK’s largest owner, manager and developer of purpose-built student accommodation, noted eligible students would in addition be given a four-week complimentary extension of their tenancy agreement at the end of the academic third term “for their own enjoyment and convenience”.

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Student Roost said it had written to all of its residents to confirm they can apply for a 100% discount of up to six weeks’ rent if they are unable to travel back to university campuses because of UK lockdown measures.

It added: “We’ve seen first-hand how difficult the last 12 months have been for our residents. We recognise many of our residents are currently away from their university cities.”