Relocating as an International Student in the UK - Need Advice

SurLab

I hope you're doing well. I've been studying in Birmingham, UK for the past 2 years and 5 months as an international student.

However, due to some unforeseen changes in my course, I find myself in a situation where I need to relocate to London. This decision wasn't easy, but it's necessary for my academic journey.

 

The issue I'm currently facing is related to my housing situation.

I've been living in my current house for 2 years and 5 months, and my landlord has been issuing new rent agreements each year, asking me to continue for another year. It has become challenging for me this time.

Since I have to move to London, I informed my landlord about a month in advance, as per the agreement's terms. However, my landlord is now asking me to pay the re-letting cost and rent for the period until a new tenant is found.

This condition was included in the rent agreement, but it's proving to be financially difficult for me.

Paying rent for two places (the new one in London and my current home) while waiting for the landlord to find a new tenant is a considerable burden, especially for a student like me. I've tried to explain my situation to my landlord, but unfortunately, they are being quite strict and inflexible.

I'm reaching out to the community for advice. If anyone has been in a similar situation or has knowledge about UK tenant rights and regulations, I would greatly appreciate your guidance.

silvercar

Sounds like you have signed up for a one year tenancy. If you want to leave early you need to find a replacement or pay the rent for the year. Sometimes a break clause is included allowing you to break the tenancy early, you'll need to read yours to see if it is included.

GrumpyDil

My daughter is in a very similar position of paying for a student rental but no longer being there. Unfortunately unless she can get a replacement she remains liable for the rent and you are in the same position.

Also the landlord is running a business and may find it difficult to rent it out at this point so they are doing nothing wrong here. 

Brie

Maybe there is someone on your course in Birmingham that would like to take over the tenancy?  I'm sure there's some that may be disillusioned with their current flat mates etc.

Emily_Joy

There is usually a forum on university webpages for students where you can offer your room. When I was a student I was easily able to find a replacement (twice).

BobT36

Liable for council tax and other bills, too.. 
You can't just break the contract and have the landlord suffer all the financial negativity, the landlord might be relying on that income too, and planned their finances around having that present due to the contract being in place.

At least he's doing it "by the book" with asking to pay for re-letting fees and pay for it "until a tenant is found". Just make sure you've read up on what the "reasonable" costs are for that. 

silvercar

BobT36 said:

Liable for council tax and other bills, too.. 
You can't just break the contract and have the landlord suffer all the financial negativity, the landlord might be relying on that income too, and planned their finances around having that present due to the contract being in place.

At least he's doing it "by the book" with asking to pay for re-letting fees and pay for it "until a tenant is found". Just make sure you've read up on what the "reasonable" costs are for that. 

Students are exempt from council tax.

Zoe02

The landlord been a bit difficult. There is a high demand so if he relisted should get someone.

Hopefully gets resolved.

lincroft1710

silvercar said:

BobT36 said:

Liable for council tax and other bills, too.. 
You can't just break the contract and have the landlord suffer all the financial negativity, the landlord might be relying on that income too, and planned their finances around having that present due to the contract being in place.

At least he's doing it "by the book" with asking to pay for re-letting fees and pay for it "until a tenant is found". Just make sure you've read up on what the "reasonable" costs are for that. 

Students are exempt from council tax.

But if the student leaves the property, then unless the council gives 100% discount for short term empty property the LL will have to pay the CT until a new tenant is found

silvercar

lincroft1710 said:

silvercar said:

BobT36 said:

Liable for council tax and other bills, too.. 
You can't just break the contract and have the landlord suffer all the financial negativity, the landlord might be relying on that income too, and planned their finances around having that present due to the contract being in place.

At least he's doing it "by the book" with asking to pay for re-letting fees and pay for it "until a tenant is found". Just make sure you've read up on what the "reasonable" costs are for that. 

Students are exempt from council tax.

But if the student leaves the property, then unless the council gives 100% discount for short term empty property the LL will have to pay the CT until a new tenant is found

If the student holds the tenancy, the property isn't liable for CT. If the landlord agrees to end the tenancy, the CT exemption ends. Either way the student can't be held liable for council tax.

SiliconChip

silvercar said:

lincroft1710 said:

silvercar said:

BobT36 said:

Liable for council tax and other bills, too.. 
You can't just break the contract and have the landlord suffer all the financial negativity, the landlord might be relying on that income too, and planned their finances around having that present due to the contract being in place.

At least he's doing it "by the book" with asking to pay for re-letting fees and pay for it "until a tenant is found". Just make sure you've read up on what the "reasonable" costs are for that. 

Students are exempt from council tax.

But if the student leaves the property, then unless the council gives 100% discount for short term empty property the LL will have to pay the CT until a new tenant is found

If the student holds the tenancy, the property isn't liable for CT. If the landlord agrees to end the tenancy, the CT exemption ends. Either way the student can't be held liable for council tax.

But if the student relocates and rents another property then I believe the exemption can only be applied for one property, so they would need to pay CT at either the old or new property.