Possibly losing job, cancel tenancy early?

rr88

I moved into my new flat 5 months ago and took out a 6 month contract. Then a few weeks ago my letting agent emailed me to ask if I'd like to stay in the property. I replied and said yes, and that I would even like to extend my contract for an additional 6 months (I've had problems in the past where landlords have decided to sell the property).

But now there is a chance I may be losing my job.

Is there anything I can do to get out of my tenancy in the event I lose my job and struggle to find a new one? is it just a case of talking to my landlord and hoping they understand?

Also the agreement is handled via DocuSign. I signed the new tenancy on there but it doesnt look like the letting agency has (Im not sure if they even need to?)

Also my letting agency emailed me recently to say that, in order to complete the agreement, I need to pay a £30 renewal fee... which I haven't paid yet.

Does this mean I could get out of my tenancy or would the agreement still stand despite me not having paid to renew it?

theartfullodger

I'd say no extension had been agreed. Probably best right now to say nothing for the time being.

Hope work sorts out

ethank

They've made a offer, which you accepted verbally. This has as much standing in court as the document you've signed.

rr88

Im not sure what you mean sorry? what made you think I accepted it verbally?

McKneff

You said, you replied and said 'yes'

rr88

I don't see how a verbal agreement could hold up in court?

Nonetheless, it was over email. Are you saying that the tenancy agreement will hold up in court and that I'd basically need to hope that the landlord lets me out of it?

G_M

a contract can be written or oral. Legally both are equally binding.


The issues with oral contracts are
* there may be no proof that the oral agreement was reached - one side may deny saying what the other claims, and
* the terms of an oralcontract are likely to be less clear (though in this case the terms would be as per the previous contract)


However that is all irrelevant, since "I signed the new tenancy on there" so you have commited yourself.