I have an assured shorthold tenancy agreement.

[flick09]

I have an assured shorthold tenancy agreement, for a fixed term of nine months, I only wanted six months but the agent said I cannot reduce my tenancy, I am going to seek advice from a solicitor, but as my other option I want to do a mutual exchange with someone who has another flat (not with the same agent though), is this possible if you rent through an agent, I think it is, but I would like to know if anyone on here knows for sure? Thanks

[cassa333]

I would have thought that you would have to talk to your respective agents.

If you leave your flat before the agreement is up you are liable for any losses up to the end date. IE the rent and any accompanying bills that you are required to pay.

However if the flat is re-let before this then you no longer have to pay so potetialy your plan could work.

[Twenty20]

I don't understand if you only wanted a 6 month tenancy why you signed an agreement for 9 months?

You can't just 'exchange' tenancies with someone else. Your tenancy is a legal agreement between you and the landlord and you can't change that. If you did find someone who was willing to take over your tenancy, either now or at the end of the 6 month term, then it would be a new agreement between the landlord and the new tenant. The agent would also charge for making up new agreements, credit checks etc etc.

It would be a waste of money taking legal advice from what you've said here.