Student accomodation contracts

[spb1957]

Just posting this out of interest, as nothing has actually happened, but I was speaking to my daughter recently regarding her campus accomodation agreement.

According to the agreement, the uni can fine students for inappropriate behaviour (one case in question is wedging a fire door open during hot weather).

Question is basically, can a university levy fines against students for not following procedures, and more to the point, can they refuse to hand out degrees and results if the 'fines' are not paid ?

[SabreSheep]

I would imagine they would be covered as unfair terms and conditions such as unlawful overlimit fees and late payment fees. They would have to prove genuine pre-estimate of loss for breaking the agreement and thus could be reclaimed, not paid and complained about.

One way they migth be able to do this for example a false fire alarm call out would be to pass any "fine" imposed by the fire service onto the tenants responsible.

 

I stand to be corrected however

[spb1957]

This was my way of thinking on this too, as I came to this forum because of the Private Parking section and have read a lot about GPEOL and contract law.

My daughter currently has a £300 'fine' along with others for wedging a door open, although their contract says the fine for this would be between £15-£100.

In any case, all these fines imposed so far are suspended, and I suspect the uni uses them to discourage such behaviour.

I guess the main question is, are universities one of the official bodies that can fine people (and they do use the word fine in the accomodation contracts) ?