How to get out of your student halls contract early

Halls contracts usually run for the whole academic year, and most providers won't simply let you walk away. The good news is that almost all of them allow a takeover: you find another student to take on the rest of your contract, the provider approves them, and you stop paying.

Before you move in

You may be able to cancel without finding anyone. Check your provider's policy for:

• A cooling-off period after you book. Unite Students, for example, gives 7 days.
• "No place, no pay" or "no visa, no pay" policies, if you didn't get your university place or your visa. These usually need evidence and have deadlines.

After you move in: the takeover route

1. Read your contract and your provider's takeover rules. Look for the fee (we've seen anything from £0 to £350), who has to find the replacement, and any deadlines. Some providers stop accepting takeovers in the last months of the year. See the rules by provider.
2. Tell your provider early. Ask exactly what they need from you and from your replacement.
3. List your room. Add bright photos, the real rent, your contract end date and who is eligible. List it on Handover Halls for free, and share the link in your course and university groups.
4. Make it worth their while. A deal, like covering the first week or two of rent or paying the transfer fee, can get your room taken much faster. It's often cheaper than paying for an empty room for another month.
5. Check your replacement is eligible before you get too far: most providers need a full-time student, sometimes at a particular university, and sometimes with a UK guarantor.
6. Let the provider do the transfer. Your replacement signs their own contract and pays the provider directly. Keep paying your rent until the provider confirms you're released.

Never take money directly

Don't ask for, or accept, rent or a deposit from the person taking over. All payments should go to the provider. Private arrangements leave you both unprotected.

If you're leaving for health or personal reasons

If you're withdrawing from your course, are seriously ill, or have another serious reason, ask your provider whether they have an early release process. Your students' union advice centre can also help you through it, for free.