Issue 152

SAS lettings officially launched

12th February 2007

The Students' Union officially launched Swansea Accommodation Service (SAS) on 1 February in the Digital Technium.

The Students' Union took the decision to create Swansea Accommodation Service because it wanted to improve the standard of accommodation available to students, which in turn may help to reduce the high level of complaints made by students every year.

The event was attended by many guests, including, Edwina Hart AM (Assembly Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration), Andrew Davies AM (Minister for Economic Development and Transport), members from Shelter Cymru (the housing and homelessness charity) and also the sabbatical officers. Edwina Hart opened the event and said that, "I am delighted to be here this morning. It is very important that we recognise good quality student accommodation.

"There are some decent landlords. Parents can now have piece of mind. It is very important that people recognise the importance of housing."

Thomas Bardell, manager of Swansea Accommodation Service, hopes that it will be able to meet the needs of both students and landlords. He said that, "I am very excited about this project. I have had a positive response from everyone that I have spoken to. The SAS has been set up to promote student welfare. Students are a vulnerable group, not aware of their rights, and have often never rented before.

"Our long term aim is to improve the standards of private rented accommodation.

"Landlords need a proactive agent, professional service and reasonable rates. We do not want to be a singular and disconnected business."

Stuart 'Chugga' Jones, Education Officer for the Students' Union said that, "If students have problems then they will not go unnoticed. We want to assure students that they will get what they are paying for."

Liz Derrick, from Shelter Cymru, said, "Shelter Cymru is delighted to support Swansea Accommodation Service. Students need to be aware of their rights to good quality affordable housing. This service is a step towards that."

Landlords and students can obtain further information by visiting www.saslettings.co.uk or emailing sas-lettings@hotmail.co.uk.

Jason Sannegadu