Discussion » Does Anybody Know About Tenant/landlord Rights?

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Posted by Kitty, 12:25, 7th November 2003:
 
As I'm moving back home to Northern Ireland, I gave my Landlord a months notice on 1st Nov. He now has replied to me stating since I took the tenancy out for a year (ending 31/7/04), I'm liable for one of the following:
I will have to pay for the rent for the remainder of the year or
I will have to get someone in to cover the rest of the tenancy (subject to his approval)
or
I will be liable for all letting fees & rent until he can find another tenant.
Does anyone know if this is correct? All I want to do is move home! *wails
Posted by Foghorn Leghorn, 12:34, 7th November 2003:
 
Kitty,
He is correct (if you signed a lease). If he is a wank then he can hold you to any of these but he could be nice and not bother.

Obviously he is a wank.
Posted by friday, 12:34, 7th November 2003:
 
In the agreement, do you have an option for one months notice? This is usually applicable either way ie for the landlord or the tenant
Posted by Rosie, 12:42, 7th November 2003:
 
this has happened to my sister recently. her and her b/f broke up and needed to get out of the flat they shared. the landlord wouldn't let her as she signed the contact and now she has to pay half the rent of a flat shes not even living in for the nxt 6 month.


its shitty.
Posted by Kitty, 12:42, 7th November 2003:
 
The lease didnt mention any of what he's saying, neither did it mention a one month's notice.
Posted by Victor Menendez, 12:43, 7th November 2003:
 
MUST. READ. CONTRACTS.
Posted by Kitty, 12:43, 7th November 2003:
 
Worse thing is I've handed my notice in at work too!! Was supposed to be going home on 1st Dec!
Posted by Kitty, 12:44, 7th November 2003:
 
I did read the lease!
Posted by WarHead, 12:46, 7th November 2003:
 
Then what does it mention? It doesn't sound like a lease at all.

Your best bet is to take a copy of the lease to a free legal clinic - lots of solicitors hold them these days, OR take it to the Citizen's Advice Bureau, to find out what your legal position is.
Posted by Kitty, 12:46, 7th November 2003:
 
I pointed out to him that none of what he is claiming was stated on the lease and he said that it's his rights anyway and doesn't have to be stated!
Posted by Rosie, 12:48, 7th November 2003:
 
well thats bollox. take the contract to the citizens advice - like warhead says.
Posted by Kitty, 12:50, 7th November 2003:
 
All the lease mentions is how much the rent is, the length of the lease, his obligations for repairs and entering property etc and my obligations as a tenant in respect of paying rent, upkeep of property etc . He's claiming that because its states the words 'shorthold tenancy agreement' he doesnt need to state all of what that entails.
Posted by Kitty, 12:53, 7th November 2003:
 
Thanks - I will take my lease to CAB on Tuesday and see what they say!
Posted by friday, 12:54, 7th November 2003:
 
I thought shorthold was the standard 6 months, but I may be wrong, go to CAB
Posted by RUSS, 13:25, 7th November 2003:
 
how about go home and just fuck him off, not pay, simple.
Posted by WarHead, 13:26, 7th November 2003:
 
www.cusu.cam.ac.uk/support/welfare/accom...

There's a bit in there that says "In signing an Assured Shorthold Tenancy you commit to paying rent for the duration of the term, and whilst it may be possible to find a replacement tenant with the landlord's consent, they are under no obligation to give it."

However, I can't see where it says this condition applies even if it's not written in the agreement. I'd still speak to the CAB.
Posted by Kitty, 14:16, 7th November 2003:
 
Russ: would love to just fuck him off, but sadly can't let the bond go - was a substantale amount and was relying on it coming back. Nice thought tho!

Warhead: thanks very much. I've got an appointment with CAB in Leeds on Tuesday so hopefully they can give me something positive I can shove him with!

Thanks everyone - I'll let you know what CAB say.
What a great caring sharing site I've stumbled across!!
Posted by Rosie, 14:19, 7th November 2003:
 
:)

Good luck!
Posted by Kitty, 14:26, 7th November 2003:
 
Ta Rosie!
Posted by plindoe, 16:35, 7th November 2003:
 
Tell him you are going and if he forces you to stay tell him you are going to piss all over his house!
Posted by Kitty, 16:41, 7th November 2003:
 
LOL
Posted by Kitty, 16:42, 7th November 2003:
 
Nothing worse than the smell of kitty urine LOL
Posted by tommorris, 16:12, 8th November 2003:
 
Heh heh - don't get me on the topic of landlords. Don't get me on the topic that the shower in my flat has yet to be repaired even after complaints every few days for the last seven weeks.

Good thing the local university law students are offering free legal advice... ;)