Ending rent early.

jp1233

Hi all,

The situation we are in is I have handed my 2 month notice into the landlord to end at the end of May as it had to be end of a month, gave approx 3 and 1/2 months notice. We are moving into a new house and will be moved by May 2nd, we have asked the landlord if we could hand the property back approx middle of the month for a slight reduction in final rent. Landlord has refused, but booked bathroom works in for end of May, for the next tenants to have a new bathroom, while we technically are still renting the property. What would you all do?

jp1233

I’ll add, we have had good relations with our landlord in the 2 years we have been there.

AdrianC

I'd remind the landlord that he isn't regaining formal possession until the end of May, but that you're quite amenable to bringing that date forward in return for a reduction in the rent.

But would I cause a kerfuffle over it? No. You are contractually bound until the end of a rent period (month), but you won't be using the property, so it's not as if there's any skin off your nose.

jp1233

That’s what I’m feeling. I just think the cheek to do the works, but while we are still paying the rent. I won’t pester too hard.

G_M

I'll asume you gave proper notice(you give no dates or detail of the tenancy).


If the LL refused to agree to an 'Early Surrender' at a date convenient to you, that is his right.


But he cannot then treat the tenancy as ended at that earlier date.


I would write to him at the correct address, reminding him of the formal tenancy end date, and suggest that if he wants access earlier than then, as you have already suggested, he could agree to an Early Surrender on xx date.


But remind him that unless an Early Surrender is mutually agreed, you will retain the property till the end date a access for renovations will be inconvenient and therefore not agreed.

jp1233

The notice in the contract was 2 months, and on the 19th February i gave notice for the end of May (had to be end of a month), so 3 1/2 months notice. Always had a good relationship with Landlord hence giving as much notice as possible.

On 13th April, i offered to leave on 14th May 'as we could move out quickly if a suitable deduction in next months rent is offered'. I got the reply saying 'we have booked the bathroom works for the second half of May, so the fact you can be moved before then will be good for you to avoid disturbance to yourselves but unfortunately the LL won't agree to an early surrender.'

I have since replied saying 'could you please confirm with the LL that their will be no option for early surrender. If this is the case then unfortunately you will have to delay your bathroom works as the end of May would be unsuitable for us while our tenancy is still in place.'

Thanks for your advice.

diggingdude

I would play awkward and not let them fit the bathroom but that's because I like being awkward with landlords when they won't work with me. remind them that as you are responsible for the bills until the end of your tenancy you are not giving permission for them to use any gas electricity or water whilst fitting the bathroom, if you decide to let them in in the first place

Marvel1

If he doesn't want to end it early, fair enough.

But he can't have his cake and eat it, using your rent money period and do the bathroom to avoid a void period - cheeky !!!!!!!.

Nothing stopping you moving out slowly and cleaning the place as it goes - you paid for it, also take photos how the clean the place is as this landlord will attempt to keep the deposit to cover the void by saying cleaning issues etc.

Change the locks, keep the old to replace back on last day.

Neverr about the utilities also diggingdude.

jp1233

The bills is also a good pint to raise so thanks for that.

I don't want to be a d**k, but we have been good tenants, absolutely no issues either way, and had no problems with her. Also gave as much notice as possible and said we would be as accommodating to peoples viewing times as possible. (there hasn't been any as she wants to do the bathroom first).

The only problem i have is the cheek of her wanting to do the bathroom while we are paying.

Marvel1

jp1233 wrote: »

The bills is also a good pint to raise so thanks for that.

I don't want to be a d**k, but we have been good tenants, absolutely no issues either way, and had no problems with her. Also gave as much notice as possible and said we would be as accommodating to peoples viewing times as possible. (there hasn't been any as she wants to do the bathroom first).

The only problem i have is the cheek of her wanting to do the bathroom while we are paying.

Exactly, no early surrender (her right) = no bathroom (your right) simple.

tealady

Marvel1 I agree with you 100%
I would go one step further though and hand over the keys late on the evening of the last day.
But then I hate people trying to rip me off.