Still paying rent after moving out

Ginger_Winner

I have recently (3 weeksago) relocated from Northampton to London after getting anew job. This happened just 2 months afterentering into a 6 month tenancy agreement for rented accommodation. After speaking with the Estate Agent theyinformed me that for a re-letting fee of £200 they would re-market the rentedproperty, but until they find someone else to move in I will remain liable forthe rental payments.

I’ve paid the re-letting feeand the property is being marketed on their web site, it appears on right moveand there is a board outside the property. It’s also at a competitive price and is inexcellent condition (I was the first tenant after it was redeveloped soeverything is brand new)…. and having spent a considerable amount of timeviewing properties in Northampton I would say that it is excellent and shouldrent really quickly (it had been on the market for just 7 days when I found it).

My issue is that in threeweeks of marketing this great apartment there have been zero viewings. When challenging the agent they tell me that the market is quiet which is the opposite that any other agent in Northampton says. I don’t like to think of myself as cynical butI can’t help feeling that perhaps the agent and the landlord aren’t quitegetting behind this as much as they should whilst they are receiving rent andcommission for an unoccupied flat.

I’m worried that I’m goingto end up paying rent for the full term (until October) which is going to causeme some serious financial issues. Iwould be really grateful of any advice as to how I might deal with this andwhat the implications would be if I just refused to pay the rent?

maninthestreet

Can you get a friend to enquire about the flat with the EA, to see what sort of response they get?

Werdnal

As you signed a fixed term, you bound yourself to pay the rent for that fixed term, so if you stop paying, LL will come after you. possibly through court order, to recover the lost rent. Up to you if you want to take that chance.

If is good to see agents are advertising, but you do not obviously know how well they are "marketing" the property. It may well be that there is a bit of a slump in the market at the moment, but as above, get someone anonymous to ring and enquire about the property to see what response the agent gives.

They do not need to push the property very hard, as you are paying the rent so they've nothing to lose!

hellokitty08

post a link, I will give you my opionon if you want.

Wyndham

It's late July, I can see that being a slow time in the rental market. I was looking in September one year and that was manic, so it may just be a case of being patient.

G_M

There's little you can do since you are attempting to end a legally binding contract.

The Landlord has made a sensible offer (to replace you if you pay the advertising fees), but naturally expects you to pay rnet till then.

You may be right that " perhaps the agent and the landlord aren’t quitegetting behind this as much as they should " but then why should they? The LL signed a contract with you and did not expect to have this hastle so soon after signing the contract.

And the agent may well point applicants at other properties on his books before this one since at least this one is generating income.

I'm afraid you are dependant on them.

More here on the legal position.

Ginger_Winner

Many thanks for the replies. I guess there is little that I can do other than a little investigative work regarding the Estate Agent ... Was also thinking that maybe I could offer the Agent an additional cash incentive for letting it by a specific date if they are not getting behind now...?

I don't think it's being marketed badly on line, but would welcome any constructive feedback on this (hellokitty08) if you don't mind having a quick look... http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/property-34781542.html

Joyful

Why don't you also advertise it on places like Gumtree etc and offer anyone that contacts the agency through your advert £50.

girl_withno_name

Here's some feedback, although I'm not sure whether you're able to do anything about it:
- Looks well presented and the living room looks bright with a pleasant view across the grassy area opposite
- The kitchen is probably a decent size for a 1 bedroom flat, although I personally don't like to have a kitchen in my living room (this is probably quite common for 1 bed flats)
- Bathroom looks tiny! But, it also looks clean and modern
- I don't think there's a need for Pic 6, it appears to just show a corridor!?
- There's no picture of the bedroom... (that said, some properties are listed with just a photo of the outside of the property)
- Why do LAs and EAs insist on writing in block caps, it makes me feel :mad:

I think the biggest battle you'll face is the price - is £650 what you're paying at the moment? It's the most expensive 1 bed in all of Kingsley and you can get 2, or even 3, bed properties for cheaper.

N79

It seems expensive. This could well account for the lack of interest.

How does the advertised rent compare to your current rent?

hellokitty08

Its way too expensive! To be honest I am really surprised that they got anyone (you ) to pay that for a 1 bed flat. (must have seen you coming, no offence)

My flat is a similar size and standard and i pay £450 through an agency for rent, including secure car parking.

Its the most expensive one bed listed on Rightmove!

For the same price you can easily get a 2 or even 3 bed in a similar location to a similar standard.

To be honest there are loads of people looking to rent in Northampton, the problem you have with a one bed is that your market is quite limited. 1 person living on their own is likely to be on a budget and the usual spend would be up to £500
A couple are likely to be able to afford more, but are usually looking for a bit more space and many of them would go for a 2 bed over a 1 bed and at £650 probably house rather than a flat.
(This is my local knowldge) Also likely they would have two cars and I guess you only get one space.

Your niche would be well off people re-locating for work, in my expereince they tend to be happy to pay a bit more. Not sure where you market to these people though, but I would say for every 20 phones calls you get looking for a 1 bed up to £500 you might get 1 person looking for a 1/2 bed upto £650.

I know some of the agencies had one bed flats including bills in a newly rennovated block reccently for £525.

Having been involved in the letting market in Northampton for over ten years I would say there is nothing outstanding about this property that would make it worth £650 so I would prepair youself for the fact that you might be stuck with it until October. Sorry its not more positive.

ohh just to add, ive never heard anything bad about that particular agent.