Renting - Leaving before the term ends?

jonesydave

We are private renting where the term is until August of this year. We weren't expecting to have enough for funds for a mortgage but we have saved more than forecast and both had pay rises. We expect to have enough by April and like the look of some new builds that will be ready in June/July. We could just about live with paying 1 months rent when not living there but do not want to pay more than this.

Ideally we would like to leave 2/3 months early as we can move back to parents rent free in the short term, seeing as we have had many problems at this flat (bathroom leak for 10 days straight without landlord doing anything as she was enjoying a holiday in America) is there any way we can end the term early?

I have checked the tenancy agreement and their is no break clause. I don't think we have a leg to stand on here but thought posting here was worth a shot!

Comms69

jonesydave wrote: »

We are private renting where the term is until August of this year. We weren't expecting to have enough for funds for a mortgage but we have saved more than forecast and both had pay rises. We expect to have enough by April and like the look of some new builds that will be ready in June/July. We could just about live with paying 1 months rent when not living there but do not want to pay more than this.

Ideally we would like to leave 2/3 months early as we can move back to parents rent free in the short term, seeing as we have had many problems at this flat (bathroom leak for 10 days straight without landlord doing anything as she was enjoying a holiday in America) is there any way we can end the term early? - can I just check something. You work; you go on holiday for two weeks. Your boss calls you up and asks you to carry out work; you think that's fair?....

I have checked the tenancy agreement and their is no break clause. I don't think we have a leg to stand on here but thought posting here was worth a shot!

You can negotiate with the landlord, over tea and cake. Explain the situation, explain you'll accommodate the viewings and hope they agree.


Or you delay your purchase

need_an_answer

There is always the option to approach the LL and request an early termination,however they are not obliged to grant one and may request that you continue with the existing tenancy.

You may also find that they are happy to release you but on the condition that you pay for the re advertisement of the property until a new tenant is found.


Check your contract for any clauses relating to this as it could end up actually cheaper for you to ride out the existing contract than paying all the early exit bonuses!

Also be mindful that whilst the new builds suggest they will be ready in june/july that isn't always the case and many over run.

You are likely to find that even quitting your rental in August still means there could be a month or two where you have furniture in storage and are living with parents.

You have no automatic right to end the contract early if you do so it is my mutual agreement with the LL so I would suggest a very non confrontational approach.agreeing to allow viewings would help

jonesydave

I understand your point - but as a landlord I feel like if you are leaving the country and not contactable for two weeks, you should make your tenant aware of this in case of any issues... 4 months later the leak hasn't been fixed!

We have been very accommodating and polite with the landlord so I will keep up with this approach and hope she obliges if we wish to buy early.

P.s. She doesn't like tea as she is American!

Comms69

jonesydave wrote: »

I understand your point - but as a landlord I feel like if you are leaving the country and not contactable for two weeks, you should make your tenant aware of this in case of any issues... 4 months later the leak hasn't been fixed!

We have been very accommodating and polite with the landlord so I will keep up with this approach and hope she obliges if we wish to buy early.

P.s. She doesn't like tea as she is American!

Wont get into it. Just remember reasonableness works both ways. If you went on holiday for two weeks, would you inform the landlady?


On the note that she's American; is she resident in the UK? (tax reasons)


And when you get towards exchange of contracts, then talk to her. I think it'll take you longer than you anticipate (I've yet to see the development which completes on time!)

need_an_answer

jonesydave wrote: »

I understand your point - but as a landlord I feel like if you are leaving the country and not contactable for two weeks, you should make your tenant aware of this in case of any issues... 4 months later the leak hasn't been fixed!

sorry to be pedantic but if as your LL I had written to you and said I would be out of the country for 2 weeks and would deal with any issues on my return would that have made it any better...?
The issue would have been resolved no quicker!


do you email your LL when you take a holiday to advise that the property will be empty?

but we digress...so back to the original request.....

Slithery

As it's a new build then allow for at least 4-6 months (if not more) past their current estimated completion date.

HampshireH

As slithery says. Lots of new builds are delayed.

It could be you who needs you LL to be more flexible at the end of your fixed term when your house isnt ready to move into.....

I wouldn't go in too heavy handed if I were you . You may need a favour at a later date

Red-Squirrel_2

Comms69 wrote: »

can I just check something. You work; you go on holiday for two weeks. Your boss calls you up and asks you to carry out work; you think that's fair?....

When I go on holiday I don't just down tools I make sure that my role is covered and everybody who might need me knows who to contact instead.