A lettings agency in the Brighton area which describes itself as “ethical” is closing down due to staffing issues and the cost of living crisis.

Sussex Students Lettings Agency was set up in 2012 and its website says: ”We are the only letting agency in Brighton to have been created and operated by one of the University Students’ Unions. We were set up in 2012 to provide all students in the city with a more supportive and positive lettings experience.”

There is no news of the closure on the agency’s own website – parts of which have not been updated for three years – but a spokesperson has told the Brighton Argus news website: “We set up Sussex Student Lettings Agency with the aim of fair and affordable housing for all students. It is with a heavy heart that we have to close the lettings agency. It is not a decision that has been taken lightly, but we feel this is the best way forward for us as an organisation.

“We know that many students are facing terrible difficulties with housing at the moment and the cost of living crisis is disproportionately affecting young people.

“The union fully acknowledges and understands the anxiety a lack of affordable and decent housing in Brightonis causing students. While we will be moving away from providing a lettings service, ensuring that all students have affordable, safe and accessible housing remains a priority for the union.”

The agency will close for good in the early New Year but existing tenancies with the agency will be honoured, with a process underway to move them over to new agencies before the end of January. 

Tenants have been told that rent will not be increased as a result of the changes.