Minimum tennancy term

[Hamish]

I have been offered a new tennancy agrement byt he landlord wich is a short hold assured tennancy. It is for a 9mth term. I am 'locked in' for this term if I sign? Will I have to pay rent if I leave and the landlord does not get a new tennant in?

[clairelb]

Without knowing the full ins and outs of the contract, I'd say yes you would be liable to pay rent for the full term. You would also be responsible for the upkeep of the property until the end of the term - and therefore you wouldn't be eligible to recieve your deposit back until the property had been checked at the end of the tennancy.

[clairelb]

Sorry, forgot to add... Additionally, the landlord may not feel they have any responsibility of getting a new tennant in to replace you.. afterall, you've signed for 9 months, why should they do all the work in looking for a new tennant when you agreed to be there? There may be an agreement that you can get out of the tennancy if you find a new tennant, however, this would also depend upon what checks/references etc the landlord requires of a tennant and your ability to ensure these have been undertaken.

[Hamish]

Thanks a big help