Getting out of a 12 month lease earlier

clearmydebts

I was just wondering if anyone had any advice or experience.

We are 7 months into a 12 month lease and would be looking at maybe leaving at 9 months.

If we give 2 months notice and the landlord can find someone else (shouldn't see it being a problem) are we still liable to pay the final 3 months?

BitterAndTwisted

You have entered into a legally-binding contract and the only way to be released from it is with the landlord's agreement IN WRITING. The landlord is not obliged to agree to release you and may choose to charge you for the costs they incur in advertising and finding a replacement tenant.

In the first instance you should WRITE to the landlord with your request.

Ninjawombat

If the landlord agrees (in writing) that you can leave after 9 months then no, you won't be liable for the three months. However, if the landlord doesn't agree it doesn't matter if you give notice or not, you'll still be liable and will have to pay.

Your landlord might be nice and let you away early but don't rely on it!

clearmydebts

BitterAndTwisted wrote: »

You have entered into a legally-binding contract and the only way to be released from it is with the landlord's agreement IN WRITING. The landlord is not obliged to agree to release you and may choose to charge you for the costs they incur in advertising and finding a replacement tenant.

In the first instance you should WRITE to the landlord with your request.

Thanks. We would be willing to pay the advertising costs and replacing a tenant costs. Should we offer to do this when saying we want to leave early?

clearmydebts

Ninjawombat wrote: »

If the landlord agrees (in writing) that you can leave after 9 months then no, you won't be liable for the three months. However, if the landlord doesn't agree it doesn't matter if you give notice or not, you'll still be liable and will have to pay.

Your landlord might be nice and let you away early but don't rely on it!

Thanks. I will put it in writing and see if I can appeal to his better nature.

Ninjawombat

clearmydebts wrote: »

Thanks. We would be willing to pay the advertising costs and replacing a tenant costs. Should we offer to do this when saying we want to leave early?

I wouldn't offer anything at this stage. Just ask him about the possibility of getting away early first.

clearmydebts

Ninjawombat wrote: »

I wouldn't offer anything at this stage. Just ask him about the possibility of getting away early first.

Okay - will do. Thanks for that. If he is being awkward (which I know he is entitled to be) then we can offer to pay the advertisement fees.

James_saver34

Agreed, the landlord needs to agree. I've tried this before, but he said no!!

Lazzza

I wouldn't necessarily offer advertising costs etc up front if you live in a marketable area. You'd be gone potentially in a few months anyhow and chances are he'll be able to rent at a higher rate than you currently pay (or would pay if you extended) so will gain rather than lose from your early move.