I, as many other students are tied to leases for apartments or other unit contracts. During times of uncertainty, COVID-19, closing schools for online teaching methods, and national emergencies, us students need the money that would normally go to these organizations.

Just recently, the University of North Texas announced dorms will stay open, as well as cafeterias. Many students will not stay in the dorms, given the university transferring to online teaching methods.

It would be unjust if students have to keep their dorms or apartments they WILL NOT USE and continue to pay for those unused services.

TO MANY STUDENTS, keeping their dorm/meal plans is another loan, and to some students, they simply could not afford in troubling times to maintain an apartment lease.

TX residents:

TX Propery Code Title 8. Landlord and Tenant. Chapter 91. Provisions generally applicable to landlords and tenants.

Quoted: §91.006. "Landlord's duty to mitigate damages.

(a) A landlord has a duty to mitigate damages if a tenant abandons the leased premises in violation of the lease.

(b) A provision of a lease that purports to waive a right or to exempt a landlord from a liability or duty under this section is void.

As stated in the Property Code, it is the obligation of the LANDLORD to find a way to mitigate damages and therefore, the tenant cannot be held liable for the remaining amount in full.

CHECK WITH YOUR STATE FOR LANDLORD AND TENANT PROPERTY CODES AND LAWS

For the greater good of the GENERAL public, urge landlords to allow leases to be voided. Universities should refund unused dorm rooms during times of national emergency to allow students to be financial stable and secure as the nation goes through troubles.

If Harvard and others can do it, so can any other public university. To keep services running and not have anyone actively taking up the dorm space is unjust.

Solution:

For UNT, allow refunds to those that will not need the space anymore, and keep those who need the space, in their dorms. Those in need aren't harmed to stay, those who don't need can get refunded or credit for the next term. If credit for the next term is the path taken, in the future, it should be stated clearly in the room and board cost.

For landlords, allow leases to be voided, rent frozen, or consider the rent uncollectible, but not for a future collection. Most properties have already been purchased since the property was obtained, opened to the public. The least you can do is cancel the rent due on the coming months. Don't leave a bad rep on your name!