Telling Landlord I am moving/exchanging, NOT actually giving notice

htcclub

I am close to exchanging on a house. I am in rented accommodation. To increase the likelihood of getting out of the contract early. Should I alert my landlord to my plans and suggest they start viewings without actually giving notice? I know people on here like to have a bit of an overlap, so I was planning to add a week or so of such. Good idea?

housebuyer143

htcclub said:

I am close to exchanging on a house. I am in rented accommodation. To increase the likelihood of getting out of the contract early. Should I alert my landlord to my plans and suggest they start viewings without actually giving notice? I know people on here like to have a bit of an overlap, so I was planning to add a week or so of such. Good idea?

The landlord can't really market it without knowing a date you are going. Are you sure they are going to release you early? When is your contract up?

pinkshoes

Just speak to your landlord, but you can't have your cake and eat it. The landlord will want a date that you intend to leave by. 

If you're in a fixed period then there is no incentive for the LL to agree to finding a new tenant until the end of your tenancy, so be nice!

[Deleted User]

I am not sure how this will increase your chances of getting out of your contract early when the LL just has to say "no" in order to be due all of the money until the end of the fixed term. Can you provide more information.

htcclub

Sorry I am monthly at this moment. I have 1 month notice. LL has 2. I negotiated down a rent increase recently. So being flexible like this could reduce the void for the LL and the area is sought after too. Win-win ?

theartfullodger

Landlord being rational or sensible is not a requirement for being a landlord.  So, who knows?

But in your shoes I'd inform landlord, calm and polite.  Maybe ask if he wants to come and visit etc?  

Good luck, hope purchase works out.

dannim12345

Our landlord was lovely, we let him know once we had our offer accepted as an fyi. Then we gave our notice but said if you find someone and they want to move in sooner that would suit us so only ended up with a 2 week overlap 

Jemma01

dannim12345 said:

Our landlord was lovely, we let him know once we had our offer accepted as an fyi. Then we gave our notice but said if you find someone and they want to move in sooner that would suit us so only ended up with a 2 week overlap 

THIS.

They gave the landlord the needed notice, they gave the polite heads up, and were lucky to exit early.

Just because you give them heads up, doesn't lift the obligation of a notice, nor does it mandate them being flexible.

htcclub

Jemma01 said:

dannim12345 said:

Our landlord was lovely, we let him know once we had our offer accepted as an fyi. Then we gave our notice but said if you find someone and they want to move in sooner that would suit us so only ended up with a 2 week overlap 

THIS.

They gave the landlord the needed notice, they gave the polite heads up, and were lucky to exit early.

Just because you give them heads up, doesn't lift the obligation of a notice, nor does it mandate them being flexible.

Yes this is my expectation, I wouldn't expect to leave early if no one else is found to replace me.

But I am wondering if there is a way this can backfire on me. Seems like no, unless LL decides to serve 2 month notice/Section 21. That's probably the worst case I can imagine, but my LL is thankfully very reasonable.

lookstraightahead

What if your landlord finds someone and your completing is delayed?

1616six

I’m in a similar boat because we’re hoping to exchange and complete second week of Dec but obviously don’t know for sure yet.

My rent falls 1st of the month, ideally I’d give my notice on 30th Nov/1st Dec and just pay Dec rent. Technically it’s looking as though I’ll have to give notice on maybe 10th Dec which runs to 10th Jan therefore paying Dec and Jan rent when I’ll be moved out by 15th Dec

Part of me wants to approach my LL now and ask if they’re prepared to not force me to pay Jan rent, the other part of me doesn’t want to say anything as if our sale falls through we won’t be moving again any time soon due to the current interest rates.