Student houses reach 'deplorable' state

Student representatives have said conditions are "simply unacceptable"

The "deplorable" state of student housing in Bath is leaving some students feeling depressed, student leaders have warned the local council.

Rented, shared houses are in "simply unacceptable" conditions, representatives of Bath's two university's told councillors.

Bath Spa Students' Union President, Jas Raymond-Barker, said mould was a problem in two-thirds of student homes.

Council leader Kevin Guy said the issues were "very serious".

Braving the elements

Ms Raymond-Barker said: "Students brave the elements in poorly insulated dwellings, facing cold winters and sweltering summers. These issues do not only affect the physical health of students but also their mental health.

"Fifty six per cent of students have reported being miserable and 46% of them reported feeling depressed or anxious due to their housing conditions. This creates an environment that is far from conducive to learning."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Hanna Hajzer, community officer at Bath University Students' Union, slammed the condition of student housing as "deplorable".

She said: "The unresponsiveness of landlords to the grievances of their tenants is deeply troubling. The lack of accountability leaves students feeling powerless and neglected as their legitimate concerns about living conditions fall on deaf ears.

"They often feel as if they have no say or leverage when it comes to their own housing situation, a service they are paying an exorbitant amount of money for.

"They deserve a higher standard of care from those who profit from providing essential housing services to our students."

Both universities provide services to help students with issues with their landlords, but Ms Raymond-Barker warned they often went unused as students do not think they will achieve anything.

Council leader Mr Guy asked Ms Raymond-Barker and Ms Hajzer to meet with the council's cabinet member for housing.