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I have just moved into a new flat with an AST Fixed term for 12 months

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vincitydaimo
vincitydaimo Posts: 1 Newbie
in House buying, renting & selling
I have just moved into a new flat with an AST Fixed term for 12 months, no break clause. Initially I asked for a 6 month contract but the LL negotiated lower rent for 12 month contract instead. Long story short, the flat is dark, damp and has a problem with slugs coming in at night which is getting me down (yes I know there are worse horror stories out there but it's a bit gross). Basically I'm not sure if I want to stay for the whole year, finding it very stressful to deal with all the problems in the flat and focus on my PhD which I've just started.

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  • Pixie5740
    Pixie5740 Posts: 14,515 Forumite
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    It seems like you're not the only one.

    https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=5907317
    mhurry wrote: »
    I have just moved into a new flat with an AST Fixed term for 12 months, no break clause. Initially I asked for a 6 month contract but the LL negotiated lower rent for 12 month contract instead. Long story short, the flat is dark, damp and has a problem with slugs coming in at night which is getting me down (yes I know there are worse horror stories out there but it's a bit gross). Basically I'm not sure if I want to stay for the whole year, finding it very stressful to deal with all the problems in the flat and focus on my PhD which I've just started. The LL is pretty good about coming round and doing repairs/trying to fix the slug problem, but I feel this could be a persistent issue and the damp's probably not going anywhere soon...

    I understand you can negotiate to 'surrender the tenancy' but the LL must agree and can equally say no and insist you pay rent for the full 12 months. Has anyone ever gotten out of a fixed term agreement early, and if so how did you do it?

    Thanks!
  • LandyAndy
    LandyAndy Posts: 26,377 Forumite
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    Pixie5740 wrote: »
    It seems like you're not the only one.

    https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=5907317

    :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:
  • thickasabrick
    thickasabrick Posts: 172 Forumite
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    If you can’t break the contract I can recommend purchasing a far infra red heating panel and leave it running until the walls dry out.

    You can search for articles on how it works.

    Lots to choose from in price and spec.

    I can vouch for the ”Trotec INFRARED HEATING PANEL TIH 700 S”. £100 to purchase and runs at 700 watts.

    Unfortunately you’ll have to take the financial hit in running costs but once the walls have dried out it should require less energy to keep them that way ongoing.

    On the plus side you will be nice and warm and dry with no slug worries over the winter.

    Good luck
    vincitydaimo wrote: »
    I have just moved into a new flat with an AST Fixed term for 12 months, no break clause. Initially I asked for a 6 month contract but the LL negotiated lower rent for 12 month contract instead. Long story short, the flat is dark, damp and has a problem with slugs coming in at night which is getting me down (yes I know there are worse horror stories out there but it's a bit gross). Basically I'm not sure if I want to stay for the whole year, finding it very stressful to deal with all the problems in the flat and focus on my PhD which I've just started.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 7,323 Forumite
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    I am sorry, but you did agree to the 12 month contract at a reduced rate, and I assume viewed it first?

    You are now tied into the contract unless environmental health come round and declare the place uninhabitable. If you make enough complaints to the LL perhaps he might agree an early surrender.

    Or you could do as the above post suggests.
  • theartfullodger
    theartfullodger Posts: 14,601 Forumite
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    You can leave any time you like, eg this evening at 20:47. But you remain liable for rent for the full 12 months. Try negotiating with landlord/agent.
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