Agents are being offered assistance in coping with the pressure of multiple student tenancy changeovers as the academic year nears the end.

Leeds council says it’s working closely with the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds Arts University, Leeds Trinity University and Unipol to support agents.

It’s particularly concerned about waste, saying that last year over 45 tonnes of reuseable items were collected from street clothing banks and redistributed free or affordably through local charities.  A significant amount of dry foods were also donated to a local food bank.

The council has contacted landlords and lettings agents reminding them of their responsibilities to ensure their tenants dispose of their waste legally, contained in bins or via recycling banks.

Council street wardens will be on hand to offer practical advice during the changeover period, and additional refuse collection and street cleansing vehicles will deal with any hotspots of waste and household waste and recycling centres are open every day. 

Leeds Rental Standard-accredited agents and landlords can access discounted tipping on certain types of waste.

Council enforcement officers will be patrolling student areas to ensure waste is being disposed of appropriately, and have the powers to issue fines for non-compliance. 

The serious environmental crime team will also be actively monitoring areas to catch and deter unlicensed waste carriers or anyone caught sifting through bins attempting to find any valuables.

A council spokesperson says: “Leeds is very proud to be one of the biggest and most popular student cities in the country, and we are pleased to again be working with all the Leeds universities, landlords and agents to help support students leaving or changing their accommodation this summer.

“We want students to enjoy their final days in their current accommodation, and we’d just ask that they remain respectful of their neighbours and the wider community. 

“We’re encouraging everyone to celebrate safely and responsibly, with no behaviour that causes disturbance or inconvenience to others.”