This is a general question and not open rent related.
I posted a question a while back about being a pensioner and renting without a guarantor.
My situation has now changed to my council forcing me to rent a (private rental ) property that is in my opinion way over the LHA rate for the area, it’s outside of my councils area and the LHA rates are lower there. £673 per month and the property they are forcing me to take is £1,025 per month, leaving me with a shortfall of £351 to pay out of my pension.
As I have always tried to be careful with my money (call me tight if you want) then I will continue to look for a more affordable option. Having not rented for many years and what with the new tenants act I would like to know how easy it is to get out of a tenancy earlier if I find another property.
I know I could probably look it up on line but I’ve found this forum pretty helpful.
You havent specified why council are “forcing you to rent private”. This could be interpreted as you are being left to your own devices, or probably I now imagine they are putting you in private accommodation from your current council one?
I was technically homeless and they placed me in temporary accommodation.
What they have offered me is their only and final offer of accommodation, if I don’t take it then I will be street homeless.
It’s private rental but the landlord only lets to people referred by the local council and my council.
I can find loads more properties that are more affordable, but I’m always let down by not having a guarantor, yes I know there are companies that run guarantor schemes, but I’ve not found a landlord or agent that will accept those either on the properties I’ve enquired about.
I don’t want to stay in a place that’s costing so much more than the LHA rate, this is why I am asking the question about getting out of a 12 month tenancy early if I find a more affordable property.
When the council sent me the email with the offer of this property I immediately emailed them back about the affordability.
Their reply was we have done an affordability calculation and you can afford it, so I know what their answer will be if I ask, plus it’s not in my councils area.
I’m just going to have to stop being so tight and hopefully if something else comes up after May then I can give notice.
Sorry if my replies are not directed straight to the OP.
I’m not sure how long it has been since you last rented privately, but LHA rates have fallen well behind rental prices. This is well-known in the sector and it has been this way for at least 5 years. It may actually be that this is the most affordable option for you.
In any case, as David says, if you accept this move and between now and the 1st of May you discover that there are cheaper options, you’ll only be obligated to give two months’ notice on your new place. It’s good to know that the RRA has actually worked in favour of someone. Without it, you would have been committed to at least 6 months at the higher rate.
Under the new Act from 1 may it will be a max of two months notice (could be less dependent on the actual tenancy agreement terms you sign)
You would need to give written notice to your LL /the contact in the contract in the same way as previously
You and LL could agree to mutually end the tenancy agreement sooner. So if you had to give 2 months notice in your contract but wanted to leave after one month you might agree that with a LL but they might well want both months or at least for you to cover the rent, council tax, utilities for any period it was empty/till next tenant moves in during month 2