Ending Rent early- help

captain_oats

Long and short of it is we have a very good relationship with our landlord. However they informed us they want to sell the apartment we are renting and said they will try and sell it to someone who wants to rent but cant promise it, and also couldnt promise our rent will stay the same.

On top of that we have people coming to view all the time. We immediately decided to end our tennancy and found a new place straight away. However we have in a contract a 2 month notice.

Our new house is ready now and we would like to move asap, maybe reduce it to a month or at least a month an a half. Since the reason we are moving is because of the landlord do you think I have any right to do this or would I lose my deposit?

captain_oats

As an update i emailed the landord politely asking as a good will gesture but he said no which I can understand.

Cissi

Are you in a fixed-term contract, or did this expire and you're now on a periodic tenancy? On what date exactly did you sign the last contract and for what term? If you're on a periodic tenancy you only have to give one month's notice (by law, no matter what was written in your contract). But it has to tie in with the tenancy dates so you need to give us more information.

The LL can hold you to the legal notice period (which may only be 1 month) - but equally, you have the right to refuse any viewings, and you can change the barrel of the lock as long as you keep the original and put it back when you move out. So you may be able to negotiate early release from your contract with the LL...

captain_oats

I signed a 2 year contract with option to move out at anytime if I give 2 months notice. This started in April 1st this year but last week I was told that the apartment was up for sale.

I informed the landlord I would like to cancel the tenancy because of this with a view to moving out on December the 1st (2 Months notice). But now I have found a place I'd rather move out on November 1st and save a months rent.

Cissi

Then I think you need to try to negotiate... You do hold a strong card as you're within your rights to refuse any viewings on the basis that it's your home and you have a right to "quiet enjoyment". But of course you may also need a reference from your current LL for your new place?

I think you need to try to come to some sort of compromise with the LL.

captain_oats

I dont need a reference for my new LL as its family. As said before we are on good terms with our current LL and I dont want to ruin that. But when I think of the money I can save i think should I push it. I have tried to negotiate a month and a half and I only pay half rent in my final month but its still a no.

I understand where he is coming from, he has the mortgage to pay and I'm currently covering that. It might take him a few months maybe more to sell and he will then be losing my rent money. But then I think is that my problem? why should I be forced to cover it while I'm having to let people view where I live.

I'd save a lot of money too.

tiger_eyes

I'm not sure that you're not already out of time to give one month's notice even if the landlord agreed. We're now into the October rental period, so even if you deliver notice by hand today, your notice would take effect November 1st and end November 30th?