How to end a tenancy agreement early

j1992

My partner and I have been renting a house for 6 months on a 12 month lease. Since we moved in (our first home together) we have had quite a few problems and have realised this house is most definitely not right for us. Added to that, I have got a new job much further away and where we live now is not so ideal as it was before.


I am more than aware we should have just done a 6 month lease but as newbies we didn't really know a lot and just went for it! I am also fully aware that we signed a deal with our landlord to stay and pay rent for 12 months, and although I understand they have every right to make us stay, I was wondering if we had any chance of being able to end the agreement early.


My question is, where do we start? Do we speak to the letting agency, or the landlord? What's the best way to go about it without upsetting anyone?


I understand it may be a long shot, but no harm in asking I suppose.

da_rule

Speak to the letting agent, they mat recommend you speak to the landlord. If you explain the situation (moving away etc) then the landlord may agree to ending your tenancy. But he does not have to. It may be that he agrees to put it back on the market but that you have to keep paying the rent until new tenants are found.

Unless your tenancy has a clause stating you must occupy the property you can move out but you'd still be liable for the rent/bills etc.

ConfusedofYorkshire

Are you sure there isn't a 6 month break clause? A lot of tenancy agreements have them

G_M

Read:

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?)

j1992

I've read through our tenancy agreement but there's nothing mentioning a 6 month break clause - I may speak to the letting agency and hopefully ! hear back what we want to hear.

G_M

j1992 wrote: »

I've read through our tenancy agreement but there's nothing mentioning a 6 month break clause - I may speak to the letting agency and hopefully ! hear back what we want to hear.

It can sometimes be beneficial to talk to the landlord instead.

always assuming he's not an overseas LL with no contact details.....

Be prepared for a request for payment in return for the LL'agent's agreement. Common practice is

* to pay the cost of marketing for a new tenant and
* payment of rent till new tenany is in plce

But other terms may be suggested. Hope you are good at negotiating!