News / Education
Students protest against letting agents
Protests have taken place outside a Bristol lettings agency that has refused to sign an ethical lettings charter proposed by students.
Digs arrange accommodation for both students and young professionals.
With an increasing number of students needing houses each year, the price of student accommodation is also rising, meaning that according to protesters there are lower standards for a higher cost.
is needed now More than ever
The main issues the protesters mentioned included alleged hidden fees, alleged mouldy rooms and alleged general negligence for communication with the students about issues.
Student protesters assembled with placards outside Dig’s office on the Clifton Triangle on Thursday afternoon.
One student said: “We’re here to highlight how digs have been treating students badly, with poor quality housing, not responding to requests to fix things, and hidden and over the top fees.
“We’re also here to publicise the fact they declined to sign the ethical lettings charter, produced by community union Acorn. Hopefully we will get a follow-up meeting where we can talk about the next step to signing up to the charter.”
The letting agent had closed their office prior to the protest.
In a statement, Digs said: “Bristol Councillor (for HOMES) Paul Smith stated in the meeting with BALMA on the 20th October 2016 he ‘would NOT expect us to sign this charter.’
“We are not obliged to sign it as an agent who is already signed up to; BALMA and ARLA – who have strict codes of conduct and are industry specific and qualified.
“The Property Ombudsman – Who offer a free impartial and independent service for the resolution of unresolved disputes between consumers and property agents.
“Abode Property Management are a very professional and ethical letting and managing agent. They do not feel the need to sign a charter created by lobbyists, rather than an official industry organisation.”
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