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Silly S21 question

Regulars here all know that a tenancy can only be ended by the tenant, by mutual agreement or a court.

If a landlord issues a section 21 notice, and the tenant leaves when it expires without serving their own notice, what is it that stops a landlord claiming "hey, that was just notice of my intention to seek possession, the tenancy hasn't actually ended yet and you still owe me rent"? Is it that a court would consider the combination of the S21 and the tenant leaving to effectively be mutual agreement?

Comments

  • Pixie5740
    Pixie5740 Posts: 14,515 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Eighth Anniversary Name Dropper Photogenic
    Absolutely nothing.
  • G_M
    G_M Posts: 51,977 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Tenant should serve notice before leaving.

    In practice, in 99/100, the LL wanted the tenant to leave, the tenant left, so no one takes further action.
  • ThePants999
    ThePants999 Posts: 1,748 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Thanks. Given the number of tenants who don't realise that they don't actually have to leave when the S21 expires, I'm surprised that we don't hear about unscrupulous landlords exploiting this...!
  • Pixie5740
    Pixie5740 Posts: 14,515 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Eighth Anniversary Name Dropper Photogenic
    I'm sure I read about a landlord who took the tenant to court for arrears when the tenant had moved out because a Section 21 had been served. It might even have been on this forum....I'll try and find a link. It was a total d i c k move.
  • Guest101
    Guest101 Posts: 15,764 Forumite
    I think most courts in practice wouldn't award in LLs favour. But only on the basis that the tenant is a consumer and courts tend to side with them on such issues.

    It is a genuine possibility however and tenants should agree a leaving date in writing.
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