Finding a replacement tenant

mcgreevy1993

Hello everyone,

I am currently renting a one bedroom flat with my boyfriend, we stupidly signed up for another 12 months in our flat back in July because we were happy with the property but now we need to move somewhere bigger.

To cut a long story short, I am an insomniac and in the past 2 months it has become very serve and started to affect my job. We moved from a one bed previously, and I suggested us moving into a 2 bed at this time so I had a room (sort of safe space) to go when I couldn't sleep to try and practise sleep hygiene techniques. I lost that argument and we ended up back in a one bedroom flat. When the renewal came I lost that argument again. In the past 2 months my sleep and health has started to deteriorate and I finally told my partner I needed the space to start trying to deal with this issue and sleeping on the sofa a long-term solution for both of us whilst working.

We contacted our agent who has said we have to find a replacement tenant and pay an admin charge of £150.00, and any other costs the landlord incurrs (I have no idea what this might be?)

Has anyone ever done this and known to find a replacement tenant to go successfully? We live in quite a popular area and flats in our courtyard tend to go very quickly but surely people are put off when you are not advertising as an agent?

Any advice would be welcomed.

sal_III

Not quite the same situation, but I have had to cut tenancies short twice in the past, both times, the agency was doing the search for replacement tenants with me just being liable for the rent until they moved in.

Maybe ask the agency if they can do the same even if it's for a fee.

mcgreevy1993

Thanks for getting back to me, they are charging an admin fee - but we also have to find a replacement tenant.

sal_III

They are charging admin fee to issue a new contract with the new tenant, that's their usual racket.

I meant - check if they can also look for a new tenants, since they are the professionals in that field for a fee, additional to the £150 admin fee.

mcgreevy1993

Good idea!

We are waiting to hear if landlord will agree to release us first.
Ideally I am hoping to get another property through them too, they are good agents just property is not working out health wise.