Asked to end tenancy early - what should we be asking for?

Dragonish1980

Evening all,

Like others who post, I don't want to post a lot, but feel history is important.

We moved in to our house end of September last year and the landlord asked for an 11 month lease till end August. Neither us nor the estate agent understood the length of lease, but we agreed (as we have 2 small dogs, so finding the perfect place that would take them was something we couldn't pass up). Sure, in hindsight we should've thought more about the end of August dates, but we didn't really think beyond if they wanted to sell, and the timing was wrong for that.

The estate agent came around last week to inform us the landlord is moving back to Wales this year so their younger child can be schooled here, and so wants the house back (fair enough). They'd also like it back by the 1st July if they could (although understand we have no obligation to).

Just to confirm we love this house. It's perfect for the dogs both with regards to the garden and the local area for walks and parks. It's the first house in the last 3 we've actually unpacked everything! We were hoping to extend the lease, not have it cut short.

Whilst we appreciate the letting agent letting us know as soon as they did, as it may take us a while to find another place that will take 2 dogs (regardless of our good history, and perfect references on no damage and deep cleans at the end of tenancy), we do feel that we should look for something from the landlord if we're to push being out by their preferred date. It cost us nearly £600 to move last time we did in agency fees/moving costs. The law isn't changing in Wales on letting agents/landlords fees, so we will incur more moving costs again - not to mention finding new deposit money having not expected to re-save for a new deposit anytime soon.

If we have to wait until the end of August we could, it's not like we want to move, but at the same time if we can do them a favour and be out by 1st July, and get some of that expense back maybe, then it would be in our interest to do so I feel. I can't imagine they have a plan B other than invading relatives houses or living out of a hotel.

Our original thought was to ask for a weeks grace after moving out to move at our own pace, and to not pay for the deep clean at the end of our tenancy but ask them to pay for their own clean (we're contractually obligated to get one done due to the dogs). However, everyone I have spoke to has said we should be seeking compensation from the landlord beyond that (including people in the industry).

Has anyone had anything similar? I don't want to come across as a d*** with them, but at the same time anything we could reasonably ask for that would assist with the costs that are about to hit us would definitely help.

silvercar

Nearer the time start looking for a new place. If you find one then you can bargain for some leeway on moving date. Otherwise I would stay put until the end of your contract.

Someone will no doubt come along and tell you that you don't need to move out at the end of August and can wait for the landlord to evict you, if you haven't found anything suitable.

G_M

You're going to have to leave, whether it is 1st July, end august, or when a court grants possession.


So the repeat agency fees, inconvenience, difficulty finding a new suitable place, moving costs etc are all going to be there at some point in the not distant future.


So start looking. The best solution is to find somewhere suitable, and then negotiate. That might be flexibility on tenancy end/moving date (earlier than July? Mid july? whenever) and/or help with moving costs.


The LL appears to understand he cannot force 1st July on you, and is requesting this only, so it's up o you whetehr you find somewhere else or not.