Asking to be released from 12 month tenancy, three months early

Asianchick

Hi

I would like a landlord's point of view on the above. Anyone else please feel to chime in. All views are welcome.

My OH was out of work for approx. 6 months and at this time, we were using credit and borrowing money to ensure all rent and bills were paid. He has now got a job but we are still struggling to repay our debt and all outgoings.

I think the only way out is to ask to be released from our tenancy agreement early and move to a smaller place closer to his job.

I want to be straight up with the landlord and not wait until he doesnt get his rent for him to know our circumstances.

We have been here over three years and have paid our rent on time always. I know this is what we're supposed to do and am not expecting a pat ont he back for that. Just mentioning it.

We have put up with poor management and zero repairs/ cleaning to the communal areas. I have had to hoover the communal areas myself on numerous occasions. (We live in a 3 storey block BTW)

My husband now works outside of London and the transport fees are quite high.

When we wanted to renew our tenancy agreement last year, we asked for a 6 month break clause. At this time we also brought to his attention the repairs that were supposed to be done since 2009 and had not been and asked if/when they would be done.

He said that he cant spend money on all of those repairs and also agree to a break clause as it would be cost inefficient. He was also dragging his feet with regards to signing the contract so we just said to forget the break clause and do the repairs.

Currently, 50% of the repairs have been done and I can't be bothered to keep on asking.

From a landlord's point of view, under what circumstances would you allow your tenants to leave early?

If we are allowed to leave early, would we automatically get a bad reference? Could the landlord tell our new landlord that we were struggling financially and hamper our chances of moving?

How should we go about asking our landlord for an early release?

mlz1413

Write to your LL asking to be released from the contract stating that it is due to moving job and needing to reduce costs.

A LL should allow this but will probably ask you to accept viewings and to pay any costs incurred (ie re-advertising and/or letting agency fees). But you should ask in advance of agreeing to them rough costs so that you know if it is worth doing.

If you have been a good tenant for 3 years and ask to leave then I can't see why a LL would give you a bad reference.

The communal areas are supposed to be maintained by the blocks managing agent who probably is not your LL, but as you intend to move I would stop worrying about this.

I believe the 6 month break clause could only have helped you if you could have given notice 1 month before it, again you need to move so accept that it was the correct decision made at the time, and hind sight is always a wonderful thing.