Rental contracts and how to get out of them early

[Arctic-Elf]

We renewed our tenancy for our flat until November but due to mould in our baby's bedroom (have got rid of it many times but just keeps coming back), we are wondering what our rights are for ending the contract 4 months early. Please don't respond if you're only going to give advice on mould removal; there are other reasons we want to move too.

[joannewatson]

I work for a property management company. We usually agree to release a tenant early from a fixed term on condition they pay up until a new tenant is found, the re-letting fee and an administration fee. I suggest you put something in writing asking to be released and stating the reasons why and see what they come back with.

[sidkid]

How many of your tenants accept your generous offer? How many people can afford two rents?

[TonyV]

Depending on your lease you are probably liable till November. You could be proactive and try to find a new tenant to take over from you. Have a look at some of the sites on web - some are free

[sidkid]

Surely there is a case here for withholding rent until the landlord sorts out the mould in your baby's bedroom? You should seek professional advice - CAB, Solicitor etc, before going down this route (don't rely on Answerbank advice!!)

[ladybirder]

Joanne is correct. That is the route most letting agents would follow.

[evil__sheep]

a contract is a contract unfortunately. The right thing to do is to ask theLL to sort the mould (or help you do it) but as you have "other reasons" you probably don't want that advice

[arwyn]

I agree with sidkid

[BagPussAA]

Unfortunately as previously stated, you do not have any rights to end the contract early which is why they are fixed term contracts. Some property management companies will allow you to leave early as stated if you pay up until a new tenant is found and if you pay all the admin costs of re-letting the property. This may cost you alot more in the long run than just staying put for another few months and moving in November.

[Arctic-Elf]

Thank you for the help! Looks like the best thing to do is stick it out for a while, luckily not too long.

[emu23]

It is not your responsibilty to remove the mould it is the landlords if you have reported it to them and they have done nothing you have every right to breach contract as they are in breach by not meeting health and safety standards. You have to allow the landlord oppotunity resolve the matter before ypu can breach contract but if u have already reported it then i would reccommend u move out asap as mould is extremly bad for ur health especially babies
If your landlord refuses to return your bond or u need further advice Shelter is a charity for housing and homeless but they also offer free advice for tenants rights www.shelter.org.uk/