Where do I stand?

essexlass

I currently live in a 2bedroom flat and have a 12 month contract which ends on 6th January 2009.

What I would like to know is I have to give my landlord 2 months notice that I will not be signing a new contract so do I have to leave in January or can I leave beforehand?

Reason I ask is that I don't particularly wish to move straight after Christmas, I would prefer to move maybe end of November.

Also when does the notice have to be given to my landlord regarding me not signing another contract? Would it have to be before 6th November 2008?

What happens with the remaining rent if I move end of November? Sorry for all the questions but I don't want to get myself into a load of hassle.

Thanks in advance.

PasturesNew

You are obliged to pay until your end date, whether you're there or not.
You signed a 12 month contract, so 12 months' rent is what you have to pay.

The only way out earlier is if your landlord will agree to you leaving/not paying earlier. Which is probably quite unlikely (he will find it very difficult to rent it over Xmas/New Year so would be out of pocket).

You don't have to give any notice. You could just leave on your final day in January. However, it is only common courtesy to advise the landlord soonest that you do intend to leave.

If you intend on leaving, the best thing to do is let the landlord know soonest and let him know you're keen to be let out of the contract early if he can get a replacement in ... however, bear in mind that he might not be able to find anybody, and that he might be wanting to bring people round while you're still there to try to get the least void time.

So, whatever happens, at least ASSUME you will be paying the full rent until your end date in early January ... that way if it turns out differently you'll be quids in instead of surprised/annoyed.