Halls rent rise tops inflation

* Student residences have been exempted from a new scheme to regulate landlords, writes Chris Johnston.

The Committee of Vice Chancellors and Principals has convinced the Government that universities are responsible landlords and that their student accommodation should not be covered by the regulations.

Had the scheme included universities, the annual cost, which could have been as high as Pounds 60 per room, would have been passed on to students. However, there is now a new duty of care for landlords of houses in multiple occupation, such as halls of residence. The CVCP believes that this is the right balance between the need for regulation and institutional responsibility to students.

The arrangements are expected to be in force by the end of March, but there are concerns that an early election could disrupt their implementation.