Paying Rent For A Property We Have Left

[BarbaraFarge]

Hi there,

Due to a change in circumstances, my boyfriend and I have recently had to move out of a flat that we have rented for 6 1/2 years. The contract was renewed on an annual basis but we asked the estate agent if we could end our tenancy half way through the year. They said the only way this was possible was if we continue to pay the rent on the flat until they find a new tenant. We didn't have much choice so agreed to do this.
The flat was advertised online from January and we moved out at the start of March. During that time they conducted one viewing with a potential tenant (despite telling our landlord they had done 11.) We have since found out that the landlord has decided to renovate the flat from top to bottom as it hasn't had any work done to it in about 10 years. The flat has now been taken off the rental market while this work takes place.
My question is - is it still fair and legal that we should be paying rent on a property that technically isn't even available to rent at the moment? They can take as long as they like with the work while we foot the bill and that's not really what we originally agreed to.

Thanks for your help!

[sunny-dave]

The legal eagles will be along shortly, I'm sure.

But I'd find a friend to very specifically make an offer to rent the flat from next week "it's exactly what I want" - and record the agent and/or owner telling them they can't have it.

That should give you some leverage in any dispute if you then withold the rent ...

[Smowball]

Did your contract not have any termination clause i.e. You have to give a months notice etc. Find it strange you have to pay for the year when it's not even liveable now.

[BarbaraFarge]

Thank you for your replies.
Yes, there was no break clause or anything in the contract. We were hoping they might be a little more flexible as we had been tenants for such a long time (in terms of the London rental market anyway) but they wouldn't budge. We've learnt our lesson on that front and made sure the contract at our new place has a reasonable option to end the tenancy, not that we should need to hopefully.
That's a good idea to make an enquiry on the flat, I might just do that, thank you!

[Smowball]

I've just had an idea. You've still got the tenancy in your names I assume if you're still paying the rent so tell him you want to move back in. If he says no you cant then he can't make you pay can he.

[ummmm]

That's a good idea..