student renting "organization"

[Global_Justice]

at my university there is a very large number of students renting off-campus accomodation in a relatively small area. demand is high amongst students and supply is low. rent is expensive and quality of accomodation is poor. as you'd expect landlords take advantage of renting to students, who are inexperienced in renting properties and more importantly dont have much choice but to take what they are given at the price they are given. often large amounts are taken from deposits for late rent (which is obviously common among students struggling with cash-flow) or damage to property which was often already done before they moved in.

im looking into the possiblity of setting up an association of students wishing to live in the area in order to make people aware of our rights, defend our rights, and if strong enough even take on the landlords on issues such as rent and quality of accomodation. there are obviously many landlords in the area, but a small group of around 10-12 landlords own the majority of student accomodation, some have as many as 30 properties in the area. they evidently all know each other and are in a position to charge what they want and keep properties at poor standards.

what do people think are my chances of organising students to defend our rights? does anyone have any advice? obviously if i think it can take off i will contact the NUS to seek advice on what to do next.

[Bitter Ashes]

I'd definatly say go for it!
You are going to have to make sure that it doesnt seem like an idle threat to stop paying rent. There is no way that a landlord wants to take 30 students to court for a few hundred pounds each to get them evicted.
Not sure how much help the NUS would be, but other unions might know a bit better :)

[Holden Caulfield]

go for it, maybe a danger of 'pissing on your own doorstep' tho.

NUS is generally shite at being helpful.