5 year tenancy but circumstance change

lucascain

Hi all

Long time since I posted here! (can only be a good thing right?)

So the reason behind this post. I have a 5 year tenancy with Yorkshire Housing. I went through an estate agent called Space Property.

I signed for a 5 year tenancy agreement on the day I moved in, which was fine at the time. The property is a 2 bedroom.

This was 18 months ago, when my partner had given birth to our daughter. Since then, we've had a further addition to the family, and we now have an 18 month old girl and a 7 month old boy. I also have a 5 year old daughter from a previous relationship who stays with me 2/3 nights per week, at the weekend. We are getting close to the point where we will be over crowded soon.

I've been searching for other homes within the same housing assocation which are 3 bedrooms, and they just completely non existent at the moment. This would be the ideal solution as this would save a LOT of hassle. But I'm having zero luck, and time is ticking.

My question is, doe anybody have any experience as to where I may stand in regards to my tenancy? I understand its a 5 year term, which is why I need advice. Would the next best step for me be contacting Space Property, giving them a the 'sob story' and hoping to god they agree to mutually end my tenancy?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

fairy_lights

lucascain wrote: »

HiWould the next best step for me be contacting Space Property, giving them a the 'sob story' and hoping to god they agree to mutually end my tenancy?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Space Property are only the agent, it's not up to them to decide if you can end the tenancy early, that would be Yorkshire housings decision.
What does your tenancy agreement say about leaving early?

Guest101

I believe a 5 year tenancy must be executed as a deed, was this done?

G_M

Guest is correct - any tenancy longer than 3 years.

Have you read the tenancy agreement?
Is there a Break Clause?
Or any wording about termination the tenancy early?

If not, it's down to either
* negotiation/agreement with the landlord (not the agent) or
* argue the tenancy is invalid as it was not executed as a Deed (I'm dubious this would work but seek professional advice).

steampowered

The best thing to do would be to contact housing association.

They may be prepared to end the tenancy early if they can find another tenant.

You should carefully read your agreement to see if there are any break clauses or assignment clauses.

AnotherJoe

Seems to me in these times of acute housing shortages, they would be quite happy to get a vacancy when they thought you'd be there another 3+ years.

Asking Yorkshire Housing is the obvious next step.

wantonnoodle

I don't know about your area, but I know in Greater Manchester, the housing associations offer property exchange as a possibility. In fact, there is a website geared up for it. Would that be an option - if you could look to exchange with someone who wants to downsize? Assuming that you are both with the same housing association I can't see it being that complicated, as they surely would be able to swap over the tenancies.

Edit: Just looked it up and the website they mention is https://www.swapandmove.co.uk/ It appears to be national so may be of use.