My tenant wants to leave- what should I do? :(

Gary_Laurus

They already have a break clause to leave after 6 months, in the standard 12 months contract, But they want to leave after only 3 months. My flat is fully managed by estate agents, but they seem to be clueless+lazy about sorting this out.
Since I am rather worried about this, I would be most grateful for any advice.
My first post, so I might not have included all data due to a lack of awareness. please let me know if that is the cae.
TIA
P.S.
The tenants did email me, but the letting agents who manage the property have instructed (via email) both of us (tenants + LL) to not to contact each other!

anselld

You could hold them to the break clause date or you can offer them early surrender on whatever terms you think fair, normally rent paid until new tenant can occupy plus payment of any new tenant fees from agent.

The agent works for you. Your decision, your responsibility, just instruct them what to do.

Perhaps you should be looking for a new agent because employing one who is clueless and lazy does not say much for your ability as a Landlord.

Gary_Laurus

Thank you so much Anselld, The tenants did email me, but the letting agents who manage the property have instructed (via email) both of us (tenants + LL) to not to contact each other! as they will sort this out. I am aware that they are only agents and therefore I hold responsibility as LL, but not sure what to do

anselld

Gary_Laurus wrote: »

Thank you so much Anselld, The tenants did email me, but the letting agents who manage the property have instructed (via email) both of us (tenants + LL) to not to contact each other! as they will sort this out. I am aware that they are only agents and therefore I hold responsibility as LL, but not sure what to do

... and as agents they are not in a position to "instruct" you anything!

You could be generous and assume this instruction is along the lines of "no probelem, just let us do our job and we will sort it out" or you could be cynical and assume they want to maximise the fee they collect from both tenant and landlord and they don't want the parties to find out what the other is being asked to pay.

Perhaps start by asking them exactly how they propose to manage the situation such that you are not out of pocket.

stator

The nice thing to do is option A)
Tell the letting agents to put the property on the market with the tenant still in the property

Tell the tenant that you will let them end the tenancy only when a new tenant has signed the lease.
The tenant is reponsible for paying the rent up to 6 months and they know it. The letting agent will be happy because they get to charge fees for a new tenancy. You will limit your losses by getting in a new tenant as soon as possible.


Option

The other possibility is just to refuse. The tenant has signed a lease for 6 months and you can hold them to it if you want. If they get behind on the rent then you follow the normal procedure.


It's your choice really

G_M

Gary_Laurus wrote: »

Thank you so much Anselld, The tenants did email me, but the letting agents who manage the property have instructed (via email) both of us (tenants + LL) to not to contact each other! as they will sort this out. I am aware that they are only agents and therefore I hold responsibility as LL, but not sure what to do

First off, instruct the agents not to give you instructions.

Two - tell the agent, and the tenant, that you are happy for the tenant to contact you (assuming you are).

3) get rid of the agent once the tenants have left. Do not instruct them to find new tenants - instruct a better agent to do that

Quatre) make sure your instructions to the new agent are clear, written, and meet your needs.

As for the tenants wishing to leave, up to you what you decide: enforce the tenancy terms (and risk arrears and hassle) or come to a new agreement (in writing) with the tenants.


See also
* New landlords: advice, information & links

* Letting agents: how should a landlord select or sack?