Leaving private rented property, need a bit of advice

yoshiblaster

Need a bit of advice, Have been offered a property by a local housing association and want to accept it and the housing association are saying the property is ready to let right now and they have all the tenancy agreement drawn up and even the keys I think, but my understanding is you always need to give the private landlord 4 weeks notice to say you are leaving but the housing association want us in instantly, so how does it work? How do I delay them for 4 weeks in order to give the landlord sufficient notice?

It is also going to take a couple of weeks at least to sort out the move, packing, removals, costs, etc. We only viewed the property 2 days ago. Also, if they give us the keys now, doesn't that make us liable for the rent on that property from now, so the housing benefit for this place will cease and the landlord will be out of pocket if we can't pay the last few weeks rent ourselves?

Just need a bit of advice about how it works transferring from private to housing association. Can't afford to turn down this property due to affordability but at the same time we have a good relationship with the current private landlord and so want to do right by him and make it run smoothly for him.

There was no deposit given to the private landlord and we are up to date with rent as it stands.

Thanks in advance.

HappyMJ

Take the property on straight away or you could lose it. You are liable for rent on both properties but you can get housing benefit to cover both properties for up to one month. Depending on the start date of your tenancy this could a period from 1 month to 2 months. You'll need to find that date. It could be the day your rent is due...but it could be a different date. In any case I'd take on the property and terminate your tenancy today and find out the exact date you need to be out by then let the council know you want to claim for both properties for a few weeks. If you can't pay the last months rent on your current property then don't worry about it too much. You can pay that back over time. The landlord can't do much about it.

usefulmale

We had a good relationship with our private landlord. Rent paid on time for 4 years and we constantly let them know we wanted to stay at least for the next 10 years.

However, when one of their kids got into a little financial trouble, we were out on our ear so they could sell up and help the kid.

It is just delaying the inevitable for the kid though, as they are a jobless single parent in a half million pound house, so even if they give them ALL the proceeds from the sale of the house we rented, they would still have to pay a mortage of 200 grand.

Housing association house without a doubt. Look after yourself only.

AdrianC

If you've got such a good relationship with the current landlord, talk to him. He may very well be willing to help you out a bit.

Pixie5740

How much notice you have to give depends on where you are; Scotland, England, Wales or Northern Ireland, and the frequency of your rent payments i.e. weekly, fortnightly, monthly etc.

Assuming you are in England or Wales see Ending an AST for further information. This will give you the legal stance and if that doesn't suit then try to negotiate with your LL since you have a decent relationship with her.

HouseBuyer77

Some landlords may be willing to give you reduced noticed provided another tenant can start within contractual notice period (if they can get someone in shortly after you leave they have no gap in rent).

Others may be willing to allow a calander month of notice regardless of how that falls within the rental period and whether or not a new tenant is lined up yet.

As suggested above if you get on with your landlord go have a chat and see what they say.

dodger1

yoshiblaster wrote: »

It is also going to take a couple of weeks at least to sort out the move, packing, removals, costs, etc. We only viewed the property 2 days ago. Also, if they give us the keys now, doesn't that make us liable for the rent on that property from now, so the housing benefit for this place will cease and the landlord will be out of pocket if we can't pay the last few weeks rent ourselves?

You may be able to get housing benefit overlap,

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/housing_benefit_and_local_housing_allowance/reporting_family_and_income_changes/housing_benefit_for_two_homes

lynsayjane

As a landlord I'd agree with the having a chat with them. Previous tenants of mine contacted me (at 10pm on New Years Day by text!!!) to ask to get out of their lease earlier than the contract we had. I agreed on the proviso that a new tenant could be found in time. The sooner you let the LL know the more chance they will have of getting someone in sooner.
Best of luck.