Help! Question about when I legally have to start paying rent?!

J1991x

So I found a property to rent and said I could move in the following week (30th June). I paid the holding deposit and signed the contract.
Unfortunately, all the referencing and validating of my work places (part self employed) has taken some time to complete and now I am having to provide guarantor details…
Therefore, I have not moved in (30th-today) and don’t think I am even allowed to until this is resolved? Can they still charge me rent for the time I am not in the property/ not allowed due to these reasons?

Thanks for any help!

J

macman

What does your contract say? We can't see it... 

greatcrested

Has the landlord/agent signed the tenancy agreement? What date is stated on the contract as the start date?

If it is signed by you both, then on the stated start date

* the landlord must give you the keys and

* you must start paying rent

If the LL has signed, but fails to give you access on the start date, he is in breach of contract and you can claim your consequential financial losses (eg hotel bills).

However, if the contract/tenancy agreement is not yet signed by both parties, then it is not binding on either of you (as there is not yet a contact).

J1991x

This is helpful thank you!

AdrianC

If your tenancy has started, then you can move in and you should be paying rent.
If the tenancy hasn't started, then you can't and shouldn't.

If they're still waiting on referencing, then I very much doubt the tenancy has started.