The country’s largest landlord for students has extended its discounted rent scheme for another three weeks.

Unite Group says its 50 per cent discount will eventually have run for a total of 10 weeks, up until the end of the government’s ‘stay at home’ guidance on 29 March. There will also be a four week complimentary tenancy extension.

Overall, Unite says it will take a £10m hit on income because of the overall discount period, but it adds that it’s collected 95 per cent of rent due to date for the 2020/21 academic year.

Chief executive Richard Smith comments: “All our properties continue to remain open, as they have throughout the pandemic. Like any private landlord, we do not normally provide refunds for time students choose to spend away from a property during a tenancy.

“However, we acknowledge that students have faced challenges this year and that’s why we have supported them consistently through the pandemic. We remain committed to ensuring that students can continue to experience the real life-long benefits of university life.”