Accomodation Fines. Rights?

ste_coxy

ignore some of these condescending lot who have forgotten what it was like to be young... i think they are also forgetting forum etiquette too!

I would write a sincere and concise appeal letter to them and perhaps include an apology however, make sure you explain to them what exactly happened and explain you did everything that was instructed to you.

i hope you get this sorted!

Rosie75

As far as I know universities can impose fines and other sanctions (eg. community service) and this will be stipulated in your contract and/or in the university regulations. If you refuse to pay a fine, I highly doubt they will go through a court process (or, indeed, that they would be within their rights to), but be aware that they can withold teaching or the award of a degree or prevent progression at the end of the year if you are in breach of university regulations or have outstanding fines (eg. for library books, damage, etc.). You may also risk being evicted from university accommodation - a measure I imagine universities will be more willing to resort to this year when they have overshot their admission targets and have students on waiting lists for campus accommodation.

Taiko

Indeed, the OP is completely in the wrong here.

Just as a warning, I've had a few Student Finance applications this year where students have been withdrawn by the university for their behaviour. We then put them in overpayment on their loans, out of a place to stay, and with little chance of getting funding again.

benjrsmith

One thing to keep in mind is that the Universtiy have the right to withhold your degree from you if you have any outstanding fines. i.e Libary Books or Accomidation Rent payments missing or just the fine they gave you.

Fight it though, they can be resonable, just keep a cool head about it.

ultimatedingbat

I agree with Benjrsmith. Definatly please keep a cool head and argue calmly. One thing you could do is do a quick round to people in the neighbouring flats asking if they heard anything. Get their names and flat numbers onto one list and add that to a polite and apologetic letter.

Often an apology and a promise to adeer to your contract in future may help you. In the end if they say !!!!!! off then take the fine and remember to adeer in future. Always worth a go.

melancholly

i agree with the two posts above - one thing to check in your contract is how easy it is for them to evict you! if you go down the path of using something in the Consumer Protection Act (i have no idea if that is even right though!), you will just be the most difficult students there and with waiting lists of others, i wouldn't be surprised if they decided you were just too much trouble!

i understand why they have fines for this - anyone who's lived in student accommodation and had to suffer really really inconsiderate people would love some come back against them! it's a bit tricky because you knew you weren't allowed to do anything and still had a fair sized group round... probably not the best plan. sticking up posters was also a bit silly since it will have drawn attention to it.... this may be a live and learn moment - worth checking the other rules in place for the future!