Housemate moving out - advice

biffman129

Hello,

I share a rented house with 2 friends. One of them has decided to move out as his girlfriend recently had a baby.

It is a joint contract so we pay the rent as a whole rather than individually and as I understand it, him leaving will effectively end the contract.

Myself and the other housemate do not want to move out but can't afford the rent between the 2 of us.

How likely is it that the agengy who manages the house on the landlords behalf will allow us to find another housemate.

Do you think they will make us sign a brand new contract once we've found someone?

Obviously we'll have to ask the agency this but just wanted to guage what the chances are of allowing us to stay.

Many Thanks.

sooz

biffman129 wrote: »

I share a rented house with 2 friends. One of them has decided to move out as his girlfriend recently had a baby.

Did he not know about this for the last 8 months?

It is a joint contract so we pay the rent as a whole rather than individually and as I understand it, him leaving will effectively end the contract.

.

No, you have a joint contract, so him leaving doesn't end your contract.

You are all responsible for the rent, but the contract continues til one of you gives notice and you all leave.

Talk to the agency about assigning the tenancy to another person in place of the ex flatmate.

Any new person will need to be credit checked. And the agency will no doubt charge fees for paper work.

biffman129

thanks, no he only found out a month ago!!!!

sooz

Oh

Then he'll be really happy when you tell him he's still responsible for the rent ? As his name is still on the contract, so he can still be chased for the whole amount.

What date did you move in, & when does your contract end? Does it have a break clause?

biffman129

we moved in in october and the initial contract was only for 6 months. now we just have to give a months notice to move out. sorry should have explained that!

BitterAndTwisted

Yep, moving out doesn't end the contract, so he'll still be responsible for his rent until you give notice and end the tenancy. Knowing this might make him think again about dumping you in the mire.

Now, how likely the landlord is to chase someone who isn't living there when there are the other two people who are much easier to find is another issue altogether.

Speak to the agent at your earliest opportunity. Any costs that are charged for drawing up a new contract are, of course, the departing chum's bill to pay.

dimbo61

Speak to your landlord ASAP and ask can you find another tenant to replace the one that has moved out.
If the LL and LA are happy then put an advert on Easyroomamte or Spare room and then you and your other housemate get to vet the new tenant.

19lottie82

biffman129 wrote: »

thanks, no he only found out a month ago!!!!

Sounds interesting! Explain please :rotfl: