An ethical and student-focused lettings agency is closing down after nearly 11 years.
Sussex Student Lettings Agency, set up in 2012 by the students’ union at the University of Sussex, aimed to provide all students in the city with a “more supportive and positive lettings experience” at an affordable rate.
However, the students’ union said it was “no longer viable” to run the agency due to “changes in the lettings industry, staffing challenges and the current financial climate”.
A spokesman for the University of Sussex Students’ Union said: “We set up Sussex Student Lettings Agency with the aim of fair and affordable housing for all students.
“It is with a heavy heart that we have to close the lettings agency. It is not a decision that has been taken lightly, but we feel this is the best way forward for us as an organisation.”
The union said that they would be expanding their advice service team to provide more housing advice and advocacy to students.
Existing tenancies with the agency will be honoured, with a process underway to move them over to new agencies in the coming months. An FAQ has been emailed to tenants to provide further information about next steps and provide reassurance.
Tenants have been told that rent will not be increased as a result of the changes.
It is expected that the organisation will close for good by the end of January.
The spokesman for the students’ union said: “We know that many students are facing terrible difficulties with housing at the moment and the cost of living crisis is disproportionately affecting young people.
“The union fully acknowledges and understands the anxiety a lack of affordable and decent housing in Brighton is causing students.
“While we will be moving away from providing a lettings service, ensuring that all students have affordable, safe and accessible housing remains a priority for the union.”
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