Unwinding of tenancy agreement?

ldn2020

Dear all,

Despite asking the agent several times, I haven’t been able to view the flat, before signing the tenancy agreement.

The Property Ombudsman advised agents against signing tenancies before an in person viewing is possible. The agent did not give me any warnings.

Now that I have signed the agreement, I have visited the place after the previous tenant has vacated. Many issues are present and I have notified them to the agent. Nothing has been fixed and the move in date was getting closer. The move in date was 25 June.

Is it possible to unwind the tenancy agreement? What would be your advice to do so? What are the risks I am taking (as a tenant) to trigger this procedure?

Thank you for your help!

ldn2020

Edit: * I haven’t been able to view the property in person (virtual viewing only, with a recorded video sent on WhatsApp)

[Deleted User]

ldn2020 said:

Dear all,

Despite asking the agent several times, I haven’t been able to view the flat, before signing the tenancy agreement.

The Property Ombudsman advised agents against signing tenancies before an in person viewing is possible. The agent did not give me any warnings.

Now that I have signed the agreement, I have visited the place after the previous tenant has vacated. Many issues are present and I have notified them to the agent. Nothing has been fixed and the move in date was getting closer. The move in date was 25 June.

Is it possible to unwind the tenancy agreement? What would be your advice to do so? What are the risks I am taking (as a tenant) to trigger this procedure?

Thank you for your help!

Shelter has a lot of information on the circumstances in which a contract can be unwound. 

https://england.shelter.org.uk/professional_resources/legal/housing_options/private_renting/tenant_remedies_for_unfair_trading_practices

The risk to you is that there is always the possibility you’d lose or that the landlord tries to defend the unwinding which could drag things out a bit longer. 

ldn2020

Thanks @Lover_of_Lycra

Do you know if it is possible to unwind a tenancy agreement “amicably” (when agreed by both parties)? I am in contact with the letting agent (not the landlord).

[Deleted User]

ldn2020 said:

Thanks @Lover_of_Lycra

Do you know if it is possible to unwind a tenancy agreement “amicably” (when agreed by both parties)? I am in contact with the letting agent (not the landlord).

You're contact is with the landlord though, not the letting agency.  The letting agency is just acting as the landlord's agent as the name implies.

Yes, it is possible for both parties to amicably withdraw from the contract.