Letting agent moving the goalposts

SHM87

My friend saw a flat last week and paid a holding and admin fee. However the flat was originally for let on a 12 month contract. The letting agent has now said the landlord is uncertain and wants a 12 month contract with a 6 month break clause and then rolling contract after 6 months. To me, that's a 6 month contract. Is she entitled to her deposit back as they have changed the terms?

elsien

Does she no longer want the flat then?

SHM87

It's more she wants to clarify exactly why the landlord is chopping and changing. But depending on the answer she may not.

Cakeguts

The landlord is probably trying to accommodate your friend but they are not sure so they want a break clause in case something goes wrong. Why do you think that the landlord is not sure about letting to your friend do you think?

SHM87

currently the landlord's daughter is in the flat but is buying somewhere which is due to complete soon. initially it was 12 months with a 6 month break clause which I guess is pretty standard, but now a rolling contract after 6 months is just statutory periodic tenancy isn't it?

SHM87

Its not clear to me why they aren't sure, the letting agent have been provided a good reference from where she's been renting for the last 3 years.

Red-Squirrel_2

They might want to sell the house after 6 months? If the daughter has been living there perhaps it was never intended to be a long term BTL and they are just trying it out. Doesn't bode well if your friend is looking for somewhere longer term.