Ms Aurora Laybourn-Candlish's article displays either woeful ignorance or intentional disingenuousness.  
First, the student-housing sector is virtually entirely "market" driven.....supply and demand in action.  Are rentals expensive...indeed, they are.  However, with the cost of R4 property in the University area and the costs of permits and construction, student housing is a huge, expensive investment.... Investors seek a reasonable return and will find other investments if that's not possible.

Secondly, Ms L-C fails to note two very important factors pecular to the student-housing market.  First, virtually ALL student housing is leased...not rented on a month-to-month basis.  "No-cause" terminations are not applicable to lease agreements.  One would hope Ms L.C. knows that.  Secondly,  university area rentals are "geared" to a full-year's lease starting in the Fall.  Units which are not leased in Sept. are very difficult to fill in the "off" months.  (cont)