PBSA developers that are found to have disrupted students with construction delays will face fines as changes to the National Code comes into force.
The move was initiated by student housing charity Unipol, alongside the National Union of Students and Accreditation Network UK, which have relaunched the government-approved scheme for PBSA.
Under the updated code, which was first approved under the government’s 2004 Housing Act, private developers will face punitive costs should construction delays disrupt student renters’ access to their accommodation during term time. However, it does not include accommodation provided directly by universities.
Overall, the code covers 350,000 beds, representing about 50% of the market in student halls in the UK.
The levels of compensation for a 300-bed building for a weekly delay would be £150,000 to the affected tenants on top of obligation to find them alternative accommodation.
Martin Blakey, chief executive at Unipol, said: “Private providers increasingly dominate the student halls market as many universities have chosen to leave future housing provision to the private sector. This means it is critical that facilities meet expectations and are delivered on time.”
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