Hi everyone. Just seeking some advice about ending my periodic tenancy early.

My agreement states that I am a lodger. When I moved in my landlord lived in the property part-time. This ended about 8 months ago when he stopped sleeping at the house. However, he uses the communal lounge as an office Monday - Friday. It's a three storey town house and there are two other tenants. There is an available bedroom for the landlord.

I gave my notice to vacant as this is not working for me. I intended to stay the month (as per agreement), however, I do not feel comfortable or safe in the home as I feel harassed. The landlord is overbearing, goes into our bedrooms as he pleases (the agreement does not give exclusive use of the bedrooms) and always has something to say about cleaning or bills (even though he spends the most time in the house). He also has unrealistic expectations, in my opinion, regarding the cleaning of the house e.g. wash all the crockery and cutlery in the dishwasher every week, clean windows, water his plants, clean out the oven glass etc. I think for a shared house it is pretty clean.

I try to keep my distance by leaving for work early and coming back later, but this is difficult as he is in the house until late some times. In hindsight, I should have moved out way before but stayed due to the convenience of the commute to work and having a good relationship with the other lodgers.

I am due to pay my month's rent. He holds a month's deposit. Can I just move out leaving the deposit to cover the rent for the notice period?

I have requested a meeting to discuss an early termination and I am willing to find other solutions, but ultimately, I just want to move out. Any suggestions?