Staying in joint rented property alone after partner leaves

bigsmall999

I'm hoping to get clairification on this - I tried searching, but couldn't find a topic that answered my question. Me and my (ex) partner recently split up. We're currently in a 1-year joint renting tenancy, which ends in a couple of months.

My partner is going to move out early and I am hoping to remain there after the end of the tenancy. I can afford the place by myself, but if possible I would prefer to be on a rolling basis or short term contract so I have the option to leave if necessary (with notice).

My question is regarding my legal rights and responsibilities as a tenant from the point the tenancy ends. As it was a joint contract, do I have the right to continue on a rolling basis? Or could the landlord/letting agent demand that I sign a new contract, since one party is no longer living there? I'm waiting to hear back from the landlord, but I'm hoping to avoid being lumbered with additional 'admin' costs with signing a new contract (as they are currently consulting with the letting agent) or being forced into another 12 month contract.

At the least, I'd like to know my legal rights/responsibilities before entering further negotiations with the landlord/letting agent.

Comms69

It's fine.


Doesn't matter if your ex partner lives there, or you decide to have a new one move in.


Nothing changes.


(also admin fees are now banned)


In effect the only reason you may have issues is because you've told them something they had no way of knowing.

Slithery

Is your ex willing to stay on the contract and still be liable for rent if you don't pay?

theartfullodger

That the partner moves out does not end or change the tenancy nor does it end his liability for ALL the rent. With a joint tenancy EACH joint tenant is liable for ALL the rent.


However he or you can give notice after end fixed term to end the tenancy. Probably better for you not to - he remains liable.



Hope you find a better partner soon!

bigsmall999

Thanks for your replies. I didn't get the notifications, so only just seen them.

Comms69 wrote: »

It's fine.
Doesn't matter if your ex partner lives there, or you decide to have a new one move in.
Nothing changes.
(also admin fees are now banned)
In effect the only reason you may have issues is because you've told them something they had no way of knowing.

Unfortunately my ex needed a reference from the landlord for her new place. She also contacted the landlord without telling me, and let me contact the landlord without that knowledge, in effect making me look a numpty. But that's another story...

So, in general do I have the right to remain on a periodic tenancy, or can the landlord force me to either sign another contract or move out?

Slithery wrote: »

Is your ex willing to stay on the contract and still be liable for rent if you don't pay?

We haven't specifically discussed that yet, but yes it could be a possibility. She has agreed to pay half of the rent until the end of the contract.

theartfullodger wrote: »

That the partner moves out does not end or change the tenancy nor does it end his liability for ALL the rent. With a joint tenancy EACH joint tenant is liable for ALL the rent.
However he or you can give notice after end fixed term to end the tenancy. Probably better for you not to - he remains liable.
Hope you find a better partner soon!

Thanks, as above we haven't discussed it but could be a possibility to keep as is. Actually looking forward to being single and having the place to myself!