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Rental Property..... Need to end contract after just renewing!

I currently rent a property and have done so for the last 12 months. On paper it is the ideal home, beautiful country property in the middle of nowhere. However because the property is a single fuelled premises, no double glazing and single electric heaters in each room. Even on 24/7 they do not heat up the house and currently my electric bill is running at £200 - £300 per month the windows are wooden and when the rain is heavy the water leaks into the property. There is mold growing on my sons bedroom wall and he is unable to spend anytime in his room unless in bed. This house was previously a summer let only (holidays) The summer in the property was amazing. I cannot afford to continue to pay £300 per month on electric alone. The winter has set in again and my family cannot bear it so I have decided we will have to find a more appropriate property to rent. I recently renewed my tenancy on the 27th November, I had no choice as I could find no other suitable properties at that time. I have now found one and need to understand the process of being able to release myself from the contract. The contract is for 12 months with a break out clause after 6 months.... giving 8 weeks notice. I was under the impression I would only have to give 4. I ideally need to be out of here by the end of January... Can you offer me any advice before I speak to the agency on MOnday? Thanks

Comments

  • G_M
    G_M Posts: 51,977 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    You have 3 options.
    1) see your contract through - for 12 months
    2) use the break clause and leave in 6 months - end of May
    3) negotiate a mutually agreed early termination.

    The LL is under no obligation to agree to 3), so it is up to you to persuade him (her). Offer to pay any costs involved for the LL - eg check-out service, marketing, any other fees the LL incurs (with his agent?) compensation for his time trouble getting a new tenant he did not expect to have to etc etc.

    If he refuses, there's not much you can do. You freely signed a 12 month contract. If you loved the house and had no problems, and the LL suddenly said he wanted you out early, how would you feel?
  • Fire_Fox
    Fire_Fox Posts: 26,026 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Have you written to the landlord to ask him to look at the problems with water ingress? If so and you have not had any action have you contacted Environmental Health about the damp? Have you considered trying to insulate the property yourself - lagging the loft, putting up heavy curtains (might find in a charity shop, Freecycle etc.)? Is the mould on your son's bedroom wall due to penetrating damp or condensation? Do you ventilate the property effectively?
    Declutterbug-in-progress.⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
  • FTaylor wrote: »
    ... I recently renewed my tenancy on the 27th November, I had no choice as I could find no other suitable properties at that time. I have now found one and need to understand the process of being able to release myself from the contract. The contract is for 12 months with a break out clause after 6 months.... giving 8 weeks notice. I was under the impression I would only have to give 4. I ideally need to be out of here by the end of January... Can you offer me any advice before I speak to the agency on MOnday? Thanks
    Unfortunately, you did have options - until you signed the contract. If you had let your old contract lapse, you would have gone onto a 'statutory periodic' tenancy, which would have required 1 months notice from you and 2 months from the Landlord. Of course, the Agency or the Landlord may have put pressure on you - but it is not necessary to renew a contract. Agencies mainly try to insist in order to extract a renewal fee.

    Now you have signed the contract, you are bound and must follow G_M's advice.
    Hi, we’ve had to remove your signature. If you’re not sure why please read the forum rules or email the forum team if you’re still unsure - MSE ForumTeam
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