How to get out of a 12 month renting contract when you were mislead and assured their were buses

km1500

it is a well-known fact in contract law that if you rely on something material said before a contract is signed then you do have redress if that turns out to be untrue - unless of course there was a specific term warning that anything said before the contract is signed should not be taken into account (for example this is true when estate agents advertise houses for sale)

 if the landlord specifically said in response to a genuine query that there were buses and the tenant relied on this information when signing the contract then I think there is a good chance to contract could be cancelled. The landlord needs to be super-careful what they say before someone signs a contract with them.

She may even be able to claim damages from the landlord ie her losses which may be for example the expense of moving in there only to find there are no buses and the expenses of moving out again to a new property where there are buses

she took consult a solicitor

https://sasdaniels.co.uk/blog/misrepresentation-in-contract-law/#:~:text=Misrepresentation in a contract – an,thereby causing Party B loss

BungalowBel

It's not the landlord's fault the bus has been discontinued. He probably didn't know about it.  This also shows the drawbacks of living in the middle of nowhere when you don't drive.

I really think all she can do is ask the LL to release her from the contract, and take it from there.  He may or may not agree.

Skiddaw1

I'd start with the local FB approach. There's nearly always a village community page. I'd be willing to bet there'll be someone who'd be happy to help her out if and when needed and there may well be a dial-a-bus service locally or similar. Our village only has a bus service two days per week (and then only once per day in either direction) but there's a fell-runner mini-bus request service and villagers with transport are always glad to help out when necessary. 

GixerKate

I can't comment on how to break the rental agreement, so your daughter has moved 2.5 hours away to an area where there is no public transport and doesn't drive but has a dog.  The main concern seems to be getting the dog to a vet - what size/type of dog are we talking?  Typically all going well a dog shouldn't have to go the vets very often so either once a year or ad hoc if something is a concern.

If four wheels cannot be a consideration how about two wheels then?  If the dog is smallish then a bicycle with a trailer on the back otherwise what about getting a CBT and getting a scooter or 125cc motorcycle?  This may not help with the vets but will get your daughter up and mobile for everything else (unless your daughter has a handbag kinda dog who likes going on motorcycles that is).

theartfullodger

margaretbrowning221 said:

My daughter signed a 12 month contract and can not afford to learn to drive or a car and has a dog. ..............The landlords assured her there was public transport and buses. ..............

Which country please (laws vary..) - eg NI, Wales...

HOW (eg in writing) did landlords assure her please??

She may have grounds to end tenancy under unfair trading practice regulations see (for England only!) 
https://england.shelter.org.uk/professional_resources/legal/housing_options/private_renting/tenant_remedies_for_unfair_trading_practices

silvercar

Skiddaw1 said:

I'd start with the local FB approach. There's nearly always a village community page. I'd be willing to bet there'll be someone who'd be happy to help her out if and when needed and there may well be a dial-a-bus service locally or similar. Our village only has a bus service two days per week (and then only once per day in either direction) but there's a fell-runner mini-bus request service and villagers with transport are always glad to help out when necessary. 

I agree with this. Also there are animal lovers who will go above and beyond to help care for pets.

ayupmeduck

Is the dog ill or is it a 'just in case' scenario? I'm assuming she works from home as getting to work hasn't been brought up as an issue

ripplyuk

I’m not sure it’s wise for her to be advertising her vulnerability on Facebook etc and giving her address to total strangers. Someone who is alone in the middle of nowhere, in a new area that she does not know. She will get plenty of offers to help (especially if she’s a young girl) but not everyone has good intentions. 

sammyjammy

Ask the vet if they can recommend a taxi company, they are always advertised in mine that they accept pets.

tooldle

We cycle with our dog in a ‘dog rucksack’. Might work depending on size of the dog.