Leaving tenancy early

skint-student-nurse

hello!

I am currently half way through a six month AST, but due to being the victim of a domestic incident a few days, its become apparent that i need to leave the area. my next rent payment is due in a few days, so that leaves me two payments,taking me to november when my AST rolls over periodically.

My flat is rented through an agency but the landlord does not use the management service.

What is the best way to aproach the letting agent about wanting to quit my tenancy early? I cant really afford to 'buy-out' my tenancy.

Any help is appriciated, thank you in advance.

thegirlintheattic

You need to go to the LL and speak to him. I would think he will tell you that it's not his problem and that you have to pay for the full tenancy.

Does the violent person live with you? If so are they on the tenancy? You can get an occupation order to get them out if you go to court.

Contact CAB for advice as well, they are good with domestic violence issues.

If/When you move out, make sure ALL mail is redirected so that the violent person does not get hold of important details.

may_fair

skint-student-nurse wrote: »

I am currently half way through a six month AST, but due to being the victim of a domestic incident a few days, its become apparent that i need to leave the area. my next rent payment is due in a few days, so that leaves me two payments,taking me to november when my AST rolls over periodically.

Do you mean that the contract says that after the fixed term there will be a contractual periodic tenancy? Because, if not, a statutory periodic tenancy will only arise if you if you remain in residence after fixed term expiry.

What is the best way to aproach the letting agent about wanting to quit my tenancy early? I cant really afford to 'buy-out' my tenancy.

What you are wanting is to surrender the tenancy early. You can approach the LL and ask, but he is free to accept or refuse and LLs will generally ask for a payment as a condition of agreeing to an early surrender. If he refuses your offer to surrender, you'll remain liable for rent for the remainder of the fixed term.

If you move out anyway, and LL relets the property, you can argue that by reletting he has accepting your offer to surrender (which would be a 'surrender by operation of law').

skint-student-nurse

thanks for the replies, Ive been to the CAB this morining and ive arranged to meet up with my landlord and luckily where i am is in high demand and the letting agent thinks there may not be a problem getting someone else in.

thegirlintheattic

That's great news!