Student rent payment problems (UNITE)

Spur26

First post on the forum. Hi everyone.

Long story short, I started Uni last September only to find it wasn't for me and a month or so later I dropped out.

I was staying in Unite Accommodation, and was roped into paying the whole years rent even though I'm not staying there.
Believe me I have advertised everywhere to try and find a new tenant. No luck at all.

I have to pay back the first instalment of my student loan about £1200 and a grant of around £600 - £1396 of this was taken straight away for the first rent instalment.I have set up a payment plan for the loan and grant.

Somehow Unite also expect me to set up a payment plan for the next 2 rent instalments, which come to around £2800. I simply don't have any money left after living costs and paying back my student loan and grant, to set one up.

I am currently unemployed, which really doesn't help

Payment for the second instalment is overdue and they are also threatening court eventually.

Any advice would be massively appreciated.

TL;DR : Owe rent money, can't afford payment plan after paying back other commitments (student loan, grant)

Thanks

KirstyO

I was with UNITE as a student and can confirm that they dont beat around the bush with their repayment demands. My story is one where I thought there was a direct debit set up to coincide with my student loan going in, however it happened, the money stopped going out and I didn't think anything of that fact that I had an extra £450 a month all of a sudden. The only way I managed to give them what they wanted was to plead with my parents who eventually took out a loan to pay the missed rent. I know that I am very fortunate and not all parents and guardians can do that sort of thing. I can't help any more with where to go from here but I wish you all the best. It must be very frightening for you, I assume you're still only 19/20?

Spur26

It's not a nice situation to be in, yeah I'm only 20.

It's frustrating because I'm effectively paying for nothing at the end of the day. What can I do if I literally have no way of paying..blood from a stone and all that

KirstyO

If I were you I'd get advice from Citizens advice or a debt counselling charity. They will be able to help you find a way forward where you can repay at a mutually acceptable rate for you and UNITE, and also help you with budgeting and things. If you're unemployed, have you tried signing on at the Jobcentre. I know there isn't much out there at the moment, but the Jobcentre do a lot for unemployed young people. Plus they might be able to put you onto Jobseekers allowance which will give you a bit of money until you find a job.

Hope that helps a bit. drop me a line if you need to chat x

Spur26

Thanks

I'll defiantly go to the Citizens advice in the next few days. I'm already signed on, have been for a few months now, no luck so far but something has to come up soon!

mytimetoshine2012

Sometimes the uni have free legal clinics that can help. You should be able to use them unless you have officially left.

Spur26

Just received another 'Final Demand'