ID or not ID?
Question
The security staff at the student halls where I rent a room are refusing access to visitors unless they have some form of identification. Do they have the right to do this?
Answer
The first step is to check your tenancy agreement (if you have one). It might mention guests and any requirements they must meet. You could then check to see if the security staff are acting in line with this.
There might be a valid reason for these extra security measures. For example, if there have been recent incidents of theft or assaults. If this were the case, the actions of the security staff could be considered as reasonable.
If you're concerned about the security measures and the way your guests are being treated, you could speak to university accommodation services or the manager of the accommodation.
If you aren't satisfied with any response you get you could speak to your local student advice centre or your student union representative. They may help put your concerns across and make sure you're being treated correctly.
It's worth bearing in mind that as you live in student halls of residence you don't have very strong rights to stay in the property. If your landlord so wished, they could evict you fairly easily as long as the correct procedures were followed.
For further information on your housing rights, you can contact Shelter.
Updated: 02/04/2009
Question answered by Shelter
