Landlords &Tenants please advise

sas1_3

Hello Landlords and Tenants,

I gave notice to my LL to move out by the end of next week when my tenancy agreement expires but I might not be able to do so!

He has a new tenant already lined up and yes, i told him that i might have to stay a bit longer.

What happens in this case scenario?

Thanks,

solventblackbird

I think if you gave notice, then you have to move out.

If you didn't give notice, then an AST converts automatically to a periodic (rolls month to month - you need to give the landlord one month's notice, and he/she needs to give you two to move out).

If you gave your notice in writing and there is a tenant already lined up, with a contract of their own, then I don't think you can do anything. It wouldn't be fair on the prospective tenant who may have already given notice on their own place.

Telling him when you give your notice 'you might need to stay longer' doesn't really cover it I'm afraid - he's got a right to get someone else in as soon as possible.

It could be that the new tennant won't be moving in for a month after you go - some landlords like to leave a gap to do repairs and repainting, if they are needed. If this is the case and you are willing to let him into the house to do these things while you are there, then it might just be possible. But I'd say it was a long-shot and you'd be relying on him doing you a favour.

Is there anyone you can stay with until you find your own place. Storage costs aren't much.

Fred1_2

Is your LL approachable? Some of us are, believe it or not. If you have a valid reason, the delay won't be long AND the next tenant is willing / able to wait a bit, you should be able to sort things out.

If it's not possible to sort something out amicably, you need to get professional advice. CAB is always a good place to start.

Bungarm2001

Your LL might be a bit flexible. It would depend entirely on what kind of relationship you have with him/her.

As the above posters have written, you don't really have a leg to stand on, providing you did serve your notice the correct way, but if the circumstances were right i.e. new tenant not moving in for a short while, then the LL might agree.

I would be prepared for a 'no' though.

sas1_3

I would probably stay for another week or so!

In two weeks he managed (his agent as he has 100s of properties) to find a new tenant and there has been lot’s of interest.
No, they don’t have to repaint because they done it before I moved in a year ago (ok just a lick of paint in the bathroom because of some damp issue=max. 5hours work)

Yes he is approachable and I have been a good tenant.

Bungarm2001

Good luck!
Sincerely....! :beer: I hope it works out right for you!

paintpot

Hi

If I were you I would contact your landlord as you have a good relationship and see when the new tenants are due to move in as at the moment you are assuming that they are moving in the minute you move out which may not be the case. As a landlord I have allowed tenants to stay on a little longer and it can help both parties out, i.e the landlord is still getting rent when otherwise it might be empty. You could (but it would be morally wrong) stay put beyond the tenancy even if a tenant was lined up to move in straight after you should move out (I am purely stating the legal facts here) and the landlord would have to begin legal proceedings to have you removed. This would take a long time but I would strongly advise you not to do that as you would cause everyone, including yourself, a lot of grief (but you did ask the question).

So to reiterate, speak to your landlord and see what flexibility he can offer you. If no joy, I would suggest you move out on the date agreed, arrange storage of your possesions and crash on a friend/relatives floor if necessary. You don't mention why you might need to stay longer, is there nothing you can do to resolve the situation at your end? I had a similar situation many years ago where I had a one day gap between handing in keys and getting new keys and had to move my stuff into a friends house for a day and then move it again which was a real hassle but it had to be done.


All the best