I want to end my tenancy early but the provider says I must find a replacement tenant. Can I complain? Expand As tenancy contracts are legally binding agreements, students normally have to find a replacement tenant to take over the remainder of their contract. As this is a legal matter, we recommend students visit their Student Union advice team for some legal advice and support. You may want to ask the provider if they can help you advertise your room online.
Can the National Code award compensation to me? Expand Neither the complaints process nor the independent complaints Tribunal can pursue or award compensation to complainants. We recommend complainants visit their Student Union advice team or local Citizens Advice Bureau for some legal advice regarding compensation.
I don’t agree with the deductions to my deposit by my accommodation provider. Can I complain to the National Code? Expand Deposit deductions do not fall under the remit of the Code. However, if your tenancy ended more than 28 days ago and your accommodation provider has still not returned your deposit then you can get in touch with us about this and we can contact them on your behalf.
I don’t want to make a formal complaint, I only want some advice. Can I contact the National Code? Expand Yes, you are welcome to get in touch with us for general advice on any issues you may be having with your accommodation provider and we will do our best to help.
Can my parents deal with the complaint on my behalf? Expand Yes, you can appoint someone to deal with your complaint on your behalf. However, you must send an email stating this to the Complaints investigator, giving your authority.
What will happen when I submit a complaint to the National Code? Expand The National Code has a contact at each accommodation provider. The Complaints Investigator will send them your complaint and ask for a response within 14 working days. If you are not satisfied with the provider’s response and cannot come to a resolution or agreement, then the complaint will progress to the independent complaints Tribunal who will make a final decision on the complaint.
What type of things can I complain about to the National Code? Expand The Complaints Investigator reviews any complaints which have breached the National Code of Standards. The Code covers areas ranging from the marketing and advertising of the development and its facilities, to repairs and deposits. Within the Code itself, repair timescales are explained, stating how long a repair should take. The Code also covers security and fire safety.
Do I need to do anything before making a complaint? Expand Before making a complaint to the National Code, you must first send a written complaint to the accommodation provider. Their complaints procedure can usually be found on their website, or you can ask at reception. If you remain unhappy after proceeding through their internal complaints procedure, and your complaint falls under the National Code, you can then lodge a formal complaint with us.