University owned accommodation is terrible

Paracosm

Our house has rats, a broken boiler, floorboards collapsing, leaking pipes, parts of the ceilings collapsing and the fire alarm keeps going off because of some electric wires burning, (which I can also smell), and the university only replaced the banisters and the microwave despite there being nothing wrong with those. This house is deadly. And I think it wants to kill us.

I've tried complaining about this issue to University Of Hull, but they aren't interested, and said there's nowhere else for us to stay instead of this house we reside in presently. 

Regarding the rat problem, we keep everything as clean and tidy as possible and never leave any food or crumbs anywhere and the rats aren't taking the bait when we set up traps of any kind, killer traps or humane ones such as fly paper traps. And there is no rubbish left around outside. 

And the electrics problem, sometimes, but not all the time, I'll plug something in, or switch a light on, and it will result in the power tripping out.

What should I do if the university don't seem to care in the slightest?  

[Deleted User]

That sounds a lot nicer than where I lived at university.

lika_86

Are the rats inside or outside? 

princeofpounds

Your students' union should have access to legal advisors around housing, so you could try talking to them. There's normally an officer who is responsible for housing issues. This is kind of what they are supposed to be for, when they aren't engaging in pointless left-wing politics (which is admittedly 90% of the time). 

You can request the council does a housing health & safety inspection. That can lead to repairing orders. However my understanding is that this system hasn't been working effectively in the pandemic. Plus it takes time.

You can try the press - the local rag would probably cover it and it's not great for the reputation of the university.

You can try direct protest. Where is the most inconvenient place that could occur? 

You can write letters of complaint to the vice-chancellor, the chancellor, the senate; basically all the senior officials. Make whoever is running the housing look bad in front of all their bosses. Include photos. 

You can potentially do some repairs yourself and deduct from future rent. The guide below explains the procedure. However bear in mind that this is written with regards to AST contracts; student housing is is covered by different legislation and I am not sure if it's directly applicable. Shelter may be able to advise.

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/repairs/what_to_do_if_your_private_landlord_wont_do_repairs

annetheman

Document everything, photos and videos, dates and times in a clear, orderly log of issues. Then present that to the University, try multiple channels, not just the accommodation office - head of your dept, head of your school, your tutor, everyone - but it needs to be well presented and the issues logged in an orderly way.

Know how else you can file complaints and use every avenue. It'll probably a game of persistence, sadly, but don't give up: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/renting-a-home/student-housing/students-in-university-accommodation/student-housing-standards-in-halls/

HampshireH

 "This house is deadly. And I think it wants to kill us."

Bit extreme. The house or the uni?

Are they definitely rats? This would usually be tenant responsibility unless there were you moved in.

If you are that concerned about the electrics get an electrician in. It may not be your job to but as you say it wants to kill you it would probably be money well spent to make safe and any recommendations. If not only to put your mind at rest 

Paracosm

HampshireH said:

 "This house is deadly. And I think it wants to kill us."

Bit extreme. The house or the uni?

Are they definitely rats? This would usually be tenant responsibility unless there were you moved in.

If you are that concerned about the electrics get an electrician in. It may not be your job to but as you say it wants to kill you it would probably be money well spent to make safe and any recommendations. If not only to put your mind at rest 

I meant the house. 

lika_86 said:

Are the rats inside or outside? 

A bit of both, mainly inside, but I saw the odd one or two scurrying about in the back yard area. 

Slithery

When did you first report these problems to your landlord in writing (paper, envelope, stamp etc)?

Suseka97

So you've complained to the 'University of Hull' - but who specifically?  Having worked for a Uni for many years and frequently alongside those who are responsible for student welfare  - I struggle to believe any would simply ignore a situation such as you describe.   As has been said - have you taken this up with your student union or raised a formal complaint with the Head of Student Services or the Accommodation Office?   

frogglet

Does it belong to the university or is it a private rental?

sgun

HampshireH said:

Are they definitely rats? This would usually be tenant responsibility unless there were you moved in.

Not necessarily, if there is something wrong with the actual fabric of the house that is enabling the rats to get inside. Rats are everywhere but they need a way to get into the house. Even if the students locked all their food into metal containers rats would still enter a house for shelter if there was an easy way in. The tenants could look for holes in the fabric of the building, gaps where pipes enter, overhanging branches or areas where rats could climb into eaves, cracks in drain covers etc. They could then ask their landlords to fix these. It is of course their responsibility to keep the house and yard tidy and not leave food lying around. It is the tenants responsibility to make sure their external bin is fully closed and no litter is left in bags outside.