Can I rent a property but not live there?

amberlee_3

Hello
More of a hypothetical question- I moved into a property about a month ago
I viewed it twice and it seemed ok- it was newly decorated- no sign or smell of damp, taps, boiler all seemed ok.
An inventory was done and it all seemed fine. Since moving in- it's becoming obvious that the landlord has "papered over the cracks" somewhat.
Patches of damp are now begining to show through some of the walls in the bedrooms. As I actually live in the house, it is becoming clear the kitchen is falling to bits and the bathroom may have leaky pipes.

The agent are relatively sympathetic- but the landlord seems disinterested and unwilling to actually rectify the problems. I think he finds anything beyond collecting the rent a bit of a nuisance.
I don't mind doing bits myself- ie screwing kitchen doors back on as they keep falling off- but leaking pipes (I think the waste pipe from the bath leaks- as when we use the shower the kitchen wall gets damp) and damp are beyond what I am able or prepared to deal with.

Overall- I won't be signing up for another 6 months. At the minute I feel I can ride it out for another 5 months and find somewhere better to move on to.
However- if something really nice comes up, or I feel the house is just too unpleasant to live in (ie damp)- we have considered leaving the house and renting another before the AST is over.

I would still pay the rent- in no way am I suggesting we would just walk out and abandon it- we would pay the rent to the end of the contract, pay the council tax and take responsibilty of the bills.
Financially- although it would probably be a bit foolish/extreme- we could do it- ie pay 2 rents.
Does anyone know if there would be any particular issue with this? The landlord would still be getting the rent to the end of the contract- there is a clause in the tenancy agreement that says we cannot leave it unattended for more than 28 days without the consent of the landlord.

I probably will end up just staying and making do until the end of the 6 months as it would be money down the drain- but if we did do this- is there anything to actually prevent us??

chris_m

amberlee wrote: »

there is a clause in the tenancy agreement that says we cannot leave it unattended for more than 28 days without the consent of the landlord.

Just pop back now and then - at least once a month - maybe staying over for one night. That ought to cover it

<sebb>

It may invalidate your contents insurance, but then I assume that you'll take all your stuff anyway. It would also probably invalidate your landlords insurance which he wouldnt be happy with.

PasturesNew

Simple answer: Yes you can.

However, on the basis you are prepared to pay the full six months, it's worthwhile putting it back in the hands of the agents again, earlier, in the hope that they can find another tenant to relieve you of your rent paying duties. You still pay the full six months, or until a new tenant is found/moved in.