Rent strikers told it’s a “fact of life” that some can’t afford to study in London

The continuing dispute over the cost of living for UCL students has escalated in recent days after hundreds more students signing up to withhold rent payments in their third and final term of the year, taking the amount to over 600.

Students from Ramsay hall and Max Rayne are now refusing to cough up nearly £1 million collectively after head of estates, Andrew Grainger, was recorded telling students: “We do not set out rents on the basis of the least well-off students… some people just simply cannot afford to study in London and that is just a fact of life.”

The comments – which contradicted years of politicians, UCAS and universities claiming to be in favour of increasing student admissions from disadvantaged and state school backgrounds – enraged protesters, many of whom have already received written warnings about evictions, should they continue to refuse to pay.

Rent prices have soared in recent years, presumably to capitalise on the growth of the London rental market. “It wasn’t a ‘fact of life’ seven years ago” says Sarah Benamar, a resident at Max Rayne, “I don’t believe facts of life are subject to change. UCL has made this situation a reality, and it is definitely within their power to unmake it now. That is what we are asking for.”

Grainger added: “If people withhold their rent, which is a very clear, decisive action on the student’s’ part, then ultimately, UCL will have to take action and there will be consequences as a result.” H

In recent months and years, complaints have been made regarding the living quality of students residences at UCL, notably cockroaches in Max Rayne and building noise complaints at Hawkridge House when UCL falsely promised these works would not be carried out during the busy exam period.

Whilst the university holds that their accommodation is not run for profit, UCL, Cut The Rent also disputes this, reporting their profit margin to be in the region of £15 million annually.