Problem with Landlady using our Electricity!

Nanaki

The pigeons would die if we just banned her. This all sounds a little more complicated than I originally anticipated. It's hard for me to read through the contract as there is only one copy between all 5 of us - are we supposed to have on each or what?

I've asked her about leaving after six months, she'll probably say I'm not allowed to do it or will have to find someone else before I leave. We pay for the room we have, not together as a group or that's how I assume it works anyway as I pay £80 a week but end up paying it termly.

I have paid up until the 21st April. If I exercise my right to leave after the 6 months, will the extra month that I have already paid for be given back?

Soot2006

I get the feeling ALL the housemates would have to leave (or you find a replacement with agreement of the LL and the other tenants) as you are most likely joint and severally liable for the tenancy. So it's probably not just a question of packing up your bags and going.

Why not just have a word with her?
She can come feed/clean the pigeons just either not use your electricity for hours each day OR pay her share ...
OR you get some Big Mates who like to have a noisy BBQ every day ... in winter ... errrrrrr.

princeofpounds

Would you want to leave at 6 months? And would your co-tenants?

You have to be clear on what you want otherwise helping you is complicated.

Nanaki

Sorry, I'll try to be clearer.

I would want to leave after the 6 months. I'm pretty confident the others will stay - they haven't got anywhere else to go.

sequence

Well that puts you in a very strong negotiating position, request at least £100 a week for electricity and rent of YOUR property, she can't refuse as all her beloved pigeons will die.

This way you get to live there for a very small fee, and everyone is happy.

Don't let her mess you about - if her pigeons die thats not your problem it's hers for trying to exploit you. Give a landlord an inch and she'll take the whole garden :rotfl:

Absolutely no way I'd let anyone use my electric for free.

princeofpounds

OK, well you can terminate from the six month period as your break clause suggests. If this is the end of the fixed term you don't even need to give notice despite what it says, although you should. If this is not the end of your fixed term but a break clause then you will need to give notice as agreed.

This will terminate the tenancy for everyone, although the others can re-negotiate to continue. The situation is complicated however if you terminate the tenancy and then your housemates don't leave or renegotiate... will have to reflect on that one.

Are you #5 or onwards named in the AST or are there 4 or less of you?

adouglasmhor

It only used to take me an hour at most to fly, feed and clean a pigeon coop daily.

Your LL is taking the pish.

Nanaki

It isn't the end of my fixed term which on the contract ends on the 10th June so I would have to use the break clause.

There are 5 of us named on the one contract. My name and signature was added a few weeks after everyone else.

sandiep

Just keep switching off the electricity, and if she quibbles just say that the key meter keeps running out of credit. She can't argue against that and should either get the hint or up the money.

princeofpounds

Ah that is very interesting. Legally an AST can only be given to 4 people. So if you are named as #5 or 6 on the list the landlord can never come after you for not paying rent (though your mates can if the know what they are doing!).

Anyway, wouldn't recommend that tactic... was just wondering. If you want to leave, use your break clause, talk with your housemates and try to get a replacement.