Tenancy Agreement

taxsaver

I doubt that you can get out before November then, but the break-clause is not well worded so could possibly be interpreted to mean that you can give two months' notice at any time after 6 months. Some solicitors give a free 30 minute initial consultation, so you might be able to get some advise for free?

If I'm honest, I rather suspect that it is condensation rather than damp as houses with babies do tend to be less well ventilated and have more than the usual amount of washing and boiling and bathing going on. :silenced:

G_M

I'm afraid you have a very badly worded contract.

2. You muse give at least two month's notice in writing to end the tenancy.

3. Neither notice can be completed before twelve months of the tenancy have passed.

completely contradicts

for 12 months with a 2 month break clause at six months'

However, it would appear clear that there was an intention for there to be a break clause.

My reading is that you can leave AT 6 months (ie May, since you started in November) prvided you give 2 months notice (ie March).

Sorry, you'll have to stay till November unless you reach an agreement with the LL to leave earlier.

Meanwhile, deal with the damp - Environmental Health and/or the private lettings Officer at the council.

jamie11

Have you been supplied with dehumidifiers? These will help to draw the water from the walls. The problem is either going to be caused by your lack of ventilation or there is a major problem, maybe a broken drain or a water leak within the property. These possibilities need to be inspected properly by an engineer because they are not always obvious.

Be aware that you are able to leave the property on or before the last day of your tenancy agreement without giving further notice to your landlord, but if you go past that day you have started a statutory periodic tenancy, where notice rules are governed by statute. You would be liable for rent to the end of the agreement.

tbs624

OP - your contract seems to be poorly drafted, as a couple of the others have said.

Read up here ( link ) on what you personally can do to minimise condensation, but also contact the local Council's Env Health Officer and ask for the property to be assessed under HHSRS ( the Housing Health & Safety Rating System) Damp and condensation are recognised as a " housing hazard" and if work needs to be done by the LL the EHO can serve an improvement notice on him/her.

Do keep copies of all your photos of the property.

Monther_of_1

jamie11 wrote: »

Have you been supplied with dehumidifiers? These will help to draw the water from the walls. The problem is either going to be caused by your lack of ventilation or there is a major problem, maybe a broken drain or a water leak within the property. These possibilities need to be inspected properly by an engineer because they are not always obvious.

Be aware that you are able to leave the property on or before the last day of your tenancy agreement without giving further notice to your landlord, but if you go past that day you have started a statutory periodic tenancy, where notice rules are governed by statute. You would be liable for rent to the end of the agreement.

There was a problem with the drains when we moved in here, the drains were blocked and soapy water from the shower went into the garden and was soaked by the walls. The walls were wet, our bed which was placed against the wall was wet and we could see the line between wet and dry wall. I believe this was the start for the damp...

They did talk about dehumidifiers but it has not been delivered so far.

Thanks,