possible deposit loss ??? Emergency

lampard

hi

Just paid a letting agent a deposit but i will only be at the property for 6 months maximum.

The problem is he has given me a contract saying that the property is leased for 52 weeks and that after 6 months i can terminate the contract (giving one months notice). The contract begins in march. September is the 6 month date.

There is a stipulation that if i end the contract before the end of the lease, the deposit wont get refunded.

Does this mean when i end the contract in september that i wont get my deposit back?

If so are there any reasons why this contract cant be amended, or why are the letting agents using this contract?

Thanks

Cannon_Fodder

Discuss the options with them. Different agencies like to operate differently.

Best to view example/draft contract before deposit is paid.

If you/Landlord haven't signed it yet, you are not fully committed, though they might get awkward about the deposit, if shysters.

Cissi

(I'm writing this assuming that you're in England or Wales?)

If you sign a 12-month AST, you don't just risk your deposit but you'll be liable for the full 12 months' rent. You may be able to get the LL to let you break the contract early if you agree to meet all costs of finding a new tenant, but you'd still have to pay rent until the new tenant was in place.

If you don't intend to stay more than 6 months then look for a place with a 6-month AST. This is the shortest term of such a contract; if you want to be able to leave before 6 months you should look for a short-term let instead. These do tend to be more expensive.

This is just the way that renting works in this country. It does give the tenant a good level of protection, because you can't be evicted before 6 months (as long as you don't breach the contract).

Fire_Fox

Whatever is arranged/ agreed get in writing.

lampard

No i am in northern ireland. I dont know what AST means, i have never heard of it. I am definitly staying until september (6 months) no more.

Cissi

lampard wrote: »

No i am in northern ireland. I dont know what AST means, i have never heard of it. I am definitly staying until september (6 months) no more.

Ok, then what I wrote is probably totally irrelevant - no idea how this works in NI
AST = Assured Shorthold Tenancy, the standard form of contract over here.

lampard

Cissi wrote: »

Ok, then what I wrote is probably totally irrelevant - no idea how this works in NI
AST = Assured Shorthold Tenancy, the standard form of contract over here.

yeah its really difficult here. I cant tell if its just how this agency works or if its actual law and cause its stupid st patricks day tomorrow everything is closed