Breaking AST before it starts

daytona85

Hello - 

last week we signed a AST to start next month.  Since then the real estate agent (big company with many offices ) has stopped returning calls/answering emails.  On basic questions like when can we get the keys and how do we do the right to rent check.

We have a bad feeling about proceeding with them if there are issues with the house and we need their help.  

We were wondering if we have any rights to break the AST before it’s started ?  The break clause in the AST starts in 6 months ..

Thanks in advance

biscan25

Has the landlord signed the AST? Often they don't do this until moving in day, deposits paid, references ok'ed etc. If not then just withdraw your acceptance.

daytona85

Yep they have signed but I have not paid deposit (beyond the 1 week holding ).

Comms69

You are bound by contract to pay rent until such time that they find a new tenant. 

daytona85

Thanks - I guess they are not incentivised to find a new tenant.

how likely are they to take any action if I don’t respond to them when they want me to pay the deposit ? 

greatcrested

You've signed a legally binding contract.

They can take legal action if you breach the contract eg by not paying deposit, rent etc. in the same way that anyone can enforce any contract.

If it's a big company with many offices, what has happened when you go in to one of the offices with your questions?

When you ring, I assume someone answers? What do they say?

daytona85

Promise a call back etc which never comes.

Emailed the manager is the branch and she made a excuse and never came back with answers