What is the Essential Student Living Cancellation Policy?
Life moves fast as a student. Perhaps you’ve decided to take a gap year or move to a new city and need to cancel your student accommodation booking. Whatever the reason, the realisation that you might need to change your plans can be daunting. It is a legal contract, and cancellation can have an impact on your finances if you don’t do it right. At Essential Student Living, we believe in keeping things open and honest. Understanding the mechanics of your tenancy agreement is the first step to resolving a tricky situation without too much stress.
ESL Cancellation: An Overview
| Cancellation Stage | What Happens |
| Within 7 days of booking | Full deposit refund (less £20 for international transfers) |
| After 7 days or move-in | You stay liable for rent until a replacement is found |
| Finding a replacement | A £50 fee applies to update the contract paperwork |
| Policy access | View full terms via your online account dashboard |
The Cooling Off Period
Yes, there is a safety net built into the very start of your journey with us. We offer an initial cancellation period that lasts for 7 days from the date you made your booking. This is your time to double-check everything and ensure you are happy with your choice.
If you change your mind within this 7-day window, we will refund your security deposit in full. It is worth noting that for our international students, a £20 fee is deducted from the refund to cover the bank charges associated with non-UK accounts. This period is designed to give you peace of mind while you finalise your university arrangements.
Can I Cancel After the Cooling Off Period?
Once those 7 days have passed, or if your tenancy has officially begun, the contract is considered active. At this stage, you are legally responsible for the rent and any fees for the full duration of the tenancy. We know that circumstances can change unexpectedly, so there is a process in place for if you can no longer live with us.
To be released from your financial obligations, you will need to find a replacement tenant. This person must be approved by the landlord and must complete their own deposit and rent payments before your liability ends. Your tenancy termination is only confirmed once the new resident has finished the payment process.
What Are the Costs of Finding a Replacement?
Finding another student to take your room is the best way to step away from your contract early. Once the new tenant starts their stay, the landlord will release you from your agreement. To cover the administration of drawing up new paperwork and updating the system, there is a £50 contract update fee. You can choose to pay this within 14 days, or we can simply deduct it from your deposit once the transition is complete.
How Do I Check My Policy Details?
Does your situation feel a bit more complex? You can find the full termination policy inside your online account. This is the place to go if you need to read the small print or remind yourself of the booking timeline.
What if I Decide to Leave University?
Leaving university is a big decision, and part of that is knowing that it doesn’t automatically end your housing contract. You will still be responsible for the rent until a replacement tenant is found. If you find yourself in this position, we recommend reaching out to your site team early. They can offer guidance on how the process works and what steps you should take.
For answers to more of our most frequently asked questions, click here.