Terminate Tenancy Early

pill84

Hi,

I am 4 months into a 6 month tenancy agreement of a House. We have purchased a new house so need to terminate early.

Our agent has asked us to the return the keys but we must pay the 6 months rent in total.

Surely if I have to legally pay the rent, I should retain the keys??

Also, there is a clause in the contract that states that I must not leave the property unattended for more than 14 days. Again, if I don't have the keys, that is not technically possible?

I was hoping to hand back the keys and maybe just pay half the rent of the remaining term.

Any advise - Thanks.

[simon]

Why do you want to keep the keys for the property ?

When you pay the landlord the remaining rent for the six month period this gives the landlord money and time to get another tennant in to the property. baring in mind the landlord will have to pay for the council tax on the property for the months that there is no tennent living there.

Also, there is a clause in the contract that states that I must not leave the property unattended for more than 14 days. Again, if I don't have the keys, that is not technically possible?

Is that what it says in the "end tennancy agreement" ?

thesaint

If the landlord/agent requires you to pay for the 6 months, then retain the keys, and pay the rent when it becomes due.

What you need to do is to see if they will agree to an early surrender. In return for returning the property to them, you only have to pay "x" amount ("x" being less than 6 months total rent) in return for them being able to market the property early and getting a tenant in.

Does your agreement have anything in it about access for viewings?

pill84

thesaint wrote: »

If the landlord/agent requires you to pay for the 6 months, then retain the keys, and pay the rent when it becomes due.

What you need to do is to see if they will agree to an early surrender. In return for returning the property to them, you only have to pay "x" amount ("x" being less than 6 months total rent) in return for them being able to market the property early and getting a tenant in.

Does your agreement have anything in it about access for viewings?

That's what I was hoping for. I've got no problem paying but if I do, the keys should remain with me. They did however say that if they get a new tenant in before my end date, they would release me which is faie enough.

They said they want the keys back so they can do the viewings which is fine by me.

G_M

If you return the keys, get

* a receipt for them
* a written statement, with their signature, that the tenancy has ended.

You will then not have to pay rent, and also will have no further liability for utilities/council tax.

Failing that agreement, yes, you'll need to pay rent AND utilities etc., so why return the keys?

The middle ground is some agreement that they can advertise theproperty, and show people round, andif they find a new tenant then the tenancy will be ended.

Also see:

Ending/Renewing an AST (what happens when the Fixed Term ends?)(What is a Periodic Tenancy?)(How can a LL remove a tenant?)(How can a tenant end a tenancy?)