Would You Take The Council Flat?

silvercar

Although you are liable for the rent for the remainder of the fixed term, the landlord has a duty to mitigate his losses and should therefore re-let it as soon as he can. You would be liable for the rent for the time it was empty and the costs of finding a new tenant.

ILW

snuggles79 wrote: »

Sub-letting of either place is not an option - in terms of the council I don't have that right until I have been there for a year.

Is that right that you can sub let a council property after a year?
Think I need to get my name down, it sounds like a nice little earner.

dmg24

ILW wrote: »

Is that right that you can sub let a council property after a year?
Think I need to get my name down, it sounds like a nice little earner.

It certainly isn't where I am, and I know someone that was (eventually) evicted for it.

GrammarGirl

Do you know anyone who would be willing to move into the flat when you leave, who could potentially take over the rent? Or would you be able to find someone?

I wanted to leave my previous property 3 months before my contract ended, but had someone who needed a room and was happy with the rent. I spoke to the LL who agreed to transfer the last 3 months of my contract to this person, leaving me free to move out when I needed to. So not sub-letting, therefore not going against the terms of my contract, but coming to a solution that suited both me and my LL. I would definitely have a word with your LL and letting agency and see what they think about this compromise.

seven-day-weekend

You are allowed to have lodger in a Council place, afaik, after a certain time, but this is NOT the same as sub-letting it!

snuggles79

A few points to answer

In Manchester you can definitely sub-let or have a lodger after a year - it quite clearly states that in the Council's tenancy agreement.

My contract is fixed term and I definitely need to pay a renewal fee every 6 months - it quite clearly states that in the tenancy agreement. I was served a section 21 when I signed the tenancy agreement giving me notice of eviction at the end of my current tenancy agreement to "save them time" if I don't renew.

Unfortunately, I don't know anybody at all that needs somewhere to live round this way otherwise it would definitely be the best solution

I haven't actually paid a deposit either. When I originally got the flat I applied to the council for what's called a Rental Bond where they help with the deposit. They recently rejected me for it though. So, in terms of a deposit to cover another month's rent, there isn't one.

The landlord is coming round on Wednesday night for a gas inspection so I will talk to him then.

snuggles79

Just an upate as to what I did and the result.

First of all I took the council flat without hesitation - it needs quite a bit of TLC to it but, as it will feel much more like mine, I am happy to do that.

Secondly, I decided to tell my landlord the full story - that the council had offered me a place and I'd be silly not to take it. I then asked what arrangement we could come to. I had been dreading telling him - the night before I hardly slept! But, it turned out he was really good about it. He agreed to release me with me just paying this month's and next month's rent (so letting me off 2 months worth of rent) which I think was really good of him. He actually genuinely seemed sad to see me leaving and even said if I ever needed somewhere in the future to come back to him!

Unless you know someone is a complete plonker it just goes to show - honesty is definitely the best policy!

poppysarah

Aww that's not so bad is it. I'm pleased for you. I hope you like your new flat!

Paulgonnabedebtfree

snuggles79 wrote: »

Just an upate as to what I did and the result.

First of all I took the council flat without hesitation - it needs quite a bit of TLC to it but, as it will feel much more like mine, I am happy to do that.

Secondly, I decided to tell my landlord the full story - that the council had offered me a place and I'd be silly not to take it. I then asked what arrangement we could come to. I had been dreading telling him - the night before I hardly slept! But, it turned out he was really good about it. He agreed to release me with me just paying this month's and next month's rent (so letting me off 2 months worth of rent) which I think was really good of him. He actually genuinely seemed sad to see me leaving and even said if I ever needed somewhere in the future to come back to him!

Unless you know someone is a complete plonker it just goes to show - honesty is definitely the best policy!

Two things. Firstly I'm glad you got it sorted out with peace of mind.
Secondly, I'm glad you did the right thing.

How are you about being able to afford two lots of rent?

seven-day-weekend

Enjoy the flat and I hope you have many happy years there.