Rent - How can i get out of a 6 month contract

Rakesh.Chauhan_2

Hello,

I've just moved in today a shared house paying rent and its absolutely horrific. The kitchen is a mess and i really cant stand one moment here.

I have unfortuately signed a 6 month contract with the landlord (who's also a lawyer - doh).

Is there a way of me getting out of the contract and leaving early?

lynzpower

when did you sign the contract? Does a "cooling off period" apply?

Dont know, just putting it out there, someone else will be along who will know

Did you not view the place before signing the contract then?

linda.b_4

Usually, the only way to get out early, is if you tell the landlord you want out early and he manages to find a new tenant to take over the contract. Did you not view the house before you signed?

MortgageMamma

Why not just walk away and leave no forwarding address? But before you do, take pictures of the place for evidence. I've lived in plenty of shared houses in the past and the landlords of such properties are pretty much used to this sort of thing happening. If he's taken a deposit from you he's in pocket anyway.

Rakesh.Chauhan_2

Yep i viewed the appartment but the only good thing was the bedroom. I didnt take a look at anything else.

Is it legal for me to give a months notice within the first 6 months? Problem is that the rent is £229 and the Deposit is £375 so i can't just bail out by packing my bags and leaving.

zag2me

Alot of people just walk away, the legal costs of following up something like this for a landlord wouldnt be worth pursueing you. You would of course loose your deposit though. But thats your decision.

j/k 229 rent? If I could get that I would put up with a dirty kitchen

HGLTsuperstar

Having spent a similar horrendous time whilst at uni, and did stick it out until found someone to take over my room, my first thought is have you spoken to the other tenants. A communal areas cleaning rota, general groundrules for tidying up after yourself etc, it may sound obvious to you but some people need things spelt out to them clearly. You as the newcomer need to make the effort to build a "working friendship" with your housemates

amboy

Rakesh.Chauhan wrote:

Yep i viewed the appartment but the only good thing was the bedroom. I didnt take a look at anything else.

Is it legal for me to give a months notice within the first 6 months? Problem is that the rent is £229 and the Deposit is £375 so i can't just bail out by packing my bags and leaving.

sorry, but that was YOUR big mistake, if it wasnt important to be critical at that stage why is it now.

I suggest you roll up your sleeves and get to work and clean the kitchen and other areas, you could throw a party for your friends, provide the food and they all share in the work.

Otherwise have a serious word with the landlord after taking pictures.

real1314

have you spoken to the landlord about the situation?
have you spoken to the other tenants?
what does your tenancy agreement say about cleaning/maintenance?

seems that your first thought is to try to bail out. how would you feel if you'd signed for somewhere you were happy with and the landlord cam round after a week and said they wanted YOU out despite a 6 month agreement?

if the agreement says that tenants have to keep the place clean, then advise the landlord that they are not and ask him/her to speak to the other tenants (after you have, if that hasn't worked) perhaps suggest that if the place is not kept clean, you will consider hiring a cleaner to clean up after the other tenants and you will withhold part of your rent to cover the cost. not a step to be taken llghtly though.

if you do just leave, the landlord can sue you for the rent for the full 6 months, less any rent they manage to get from anyone else. it's possible they will take you to court and maybe get a CCJ if you don't respond. Then you'll find it hard to get any tenancy at all.

jaw jaw is better than (legal) war war.