Stuck in a rent contract. What happens now?

GroovyGran

Sorry GM, but we have never private rented before, so we are green around the gills so to speak. I know "we Thought" doesn't help us. but we thought if we didn't sign for the new contract, and as the letter stated, you contract ends in October. We would have to leave. With no place to go!
Also, thanks rugged toast for your suggestion. I know we have been silly, or maybe just ignorant to all these legalities, but we will try to negotiate, with the help of Citizens Advice and Shelter, and hope to come to some agreement, or that the tenancy will be taken over by someone else. I am afraid I am learning about this cut throat world, a little too late in life! But your post did put my mind at rest, knowing that the courts will let us pay back, only what we can afford. even if that means for the rest of the time we have left on this earth!
Thanks everyone

GroovyGran

Thanks "the artfullodger" also for your help, we will try the land registry and see what we come up with. The agency is not being helpful at all, but we do have the name of the landlord on one of the documents, so we will start there. Oh for a peaceful life.
We really do have to move, as the stairs are killing me and there is no shower. I can't get in and out of the bath anymore, I have to put some waer in the bath, get in as best I can, stand up and soap myself down, and then pour jugs of warm water over me to rince off. A bit like washing a car!!!! I shouldn't be joking about it really, I am just trying not to worry so much. I will need a few glasses of wine to sleep tonight I think. Thanks again everyone. I will keep you all informed as to what happens.

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ruggedtoast wrote: »

If you dont have any money and arent likely to in the future, and you have the time limited offer of a secure council house rather than a future of private renting, I would personally just leave and let them chase you for the money.

As you say the courts will decide what you can pay back.

This is the pragmatic approach and also the most sensible one. All you can do is to mitigate costs.

Then look at it from the landlord's perspective. You need to inform them that you have no money and won't have in the future. If you paint a bleak picture, then no landlord in their right mind would go after you for money which they have no hope of recovering.

If however you told the landlord or agent that you were waiting for a council property, then they may not have exercised duty of care in forcing you into a new 12 month agreement. I would be playing this card very quickly and stressing the point.

pioneer22

I doubt the landlord will chase you for the money if you up and leave which is what I suggest. At the end of the day if you dont have any extra money then once the Landlords gets a ccj the court will decide how much you have to pay. If you have only £5 a month then so be it.

You dont have any money therefore cannot pay, sorry Landlord.