Requesting a rent reduction

Who can request a rent reduction 

You can request a rent reduction for 2025/26 if: 

• you are disabled under the Equality Act 2010
  and
• you need specific accommodation because of your disability.

A disability is a physical, mental, neurological or sensory impairment. It has lasted or is likely to last 12 months or longer and has a sizable impact on your day-to-day life.

We cannot offer a rent reduction if: 

• you have couple or family accommodation
• your room costs less than £206.50 a week.

What you pay

The reduced rent amount is £206.50 a week for all eligible students. 

Total rent costs depend on your tenancy length:

• 38 weeks: £7,847.00
• 42 weeks: £8,673.00
• 50 weeks: £10,325.00
• 51 weeks: £10,531.50.

How to request a rent reduction 

When you apply for the reduction, you need to:

• explain how your disability affects your accommodation needs
• provide relevant supporting documents that confirm a diagnosis for your condition.  

To request a rent reduction, either: 

• add your supporting documents to your accommodation application 
• email your supporting documents to student-accommodation@bristol.ac.uk.

You must do this before the end of your tenancy.

Examples of supporting documents

Supporting documents we accept include:  

• a letter or statement from a doctor or other health professional, confirming the diagnosis
• a diagnostic assessment/report from a psychologist, educational psychologist, or specialist teacher
• an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or other Special Educational Needs (SEN) plan
• a confirmation of referral for a diagnostic assessment or test for a condition such as:
  • ADHD
  • Autism
• a Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) study needs assessment report.

This is not a complete list. We may contact you to ask for specific supporting documents.

If you do not have supporting documents because you do not have a formal diagnosis, see our getting a diagnosis page for advice.

Documents in a language other than English must include an English translation. The document needs to be fully translated by the health professional or a certified translator.  

Supporting document guidelines 

We recommend your supporting documents are on headed paper and include:

• the date
• your printed name 
• the position and signature of the health professional
• a diagnosis (or working diagnosis where a firm diagnosis is not
  available).

They should also state that your condition:

• has lasted or is likely to last 12 months or more
• in the opinion of the health professional, has a substantial impact on your day-to-day life (examples can be provided).

After you submit your request 

Your reduction will be included with your accommodation offer if: 

• you are eligible
• your supporting documents are submitted by 30 June.

If you submit your request after this date, rent reductions can be backdated.