LISTEN - Magee students are demanding action on housing situations

by Gráinne Connolly

Students attending University of Ulster in Derry-Londonderry are demanding letting agents and landlords to start taking their issues seriously, as they continue to live in unacceptable conditions. 

Q Radio's been talking to Magee People Before Profit Student Society Chairperson, Rachel Craig who says inadequate housing is now a common concern amongst students, including herself when it comes to her own accomodation: 

The issue of having 10 month leases for the houses in Derry was also raised, as Rachel felt it gives the landlord and letting agents enough time to avoid sorting out on-going issues. 

"They cover the damp with paint to give us the impression that they've fixed the problem!

"It's often impossible to get agents and landlords to take problems seriously. 

"They tell us a problem will be dealth with but then we don't hear from them for weeks! It's absolutely ridiculous." 

Rachel also told me of a fellow students problem where his tumbledryer provided by the landlord, gave off electric shocks when it was touched therefore they had to avoid using it for their own safety. 

In another case, one landlord/agent arrived at a premises to deal with a housing issue such as damp and told the tenants he'd be back in a moment as he forgot something in the car, however he never returned. 

This further emphasises Rachel's claim that they avoid and ignore issues when they arise, in this case refusing to face it completely. 

Rachel is now encouraging other students who may have housing issues to speak out and make their voices heard: