Landlord/letting agent agreed to let me leave my contract early - what happens to deposit?

Tenant Discussion
1

Hi there, I asked my landlord/letting agents if I can terminate my rent contract before the 6 month break clause, they agreed.

They have found someone to move in almost straight after I move out (within 1 week).

They’re saying bill for a new tenant is £500 plus £240 for drawing up a new contract, but the’ll allow me to pay half. OK, I’ll pay.

But, what happens to deposit? My contract says the standard things, cleaning, unpaid bills, damage etc could be taken out of deposit.

Can the landlord keep more than costs for cleaning/damage etc? I.e. more than actual losses? Is the deposit separate from breaking the contract?

Thank you

2

They could deduct the costs agreed from the deposit in addition to any other costs they might incur re damages etc.

When you signed your rental contract you would have received ‘Prescribed Information’ from your Landlord about the deposit scheme & its processes. You may want to dig that out & have a read.

The Landlord is only able to charge ‘actual costs’ they incur.

3

Thank you.

I have the “Prescribed Information Order”, but no “Information for Tenants” leaflet which should have information about ending my tenancy.

My landlord has also said to give him my bank details as he “may have to pay some of it back”… doesn’t sound too promising if I’m honest.

My contract says:

You will get the deposit back when this agreement ends and you leave the Property, as long as you have kept to all the conditions of this Agreement. Ifyou do not do so, we may take from your deposit:
• Any rent or other money due or payable by you under this Agreement of which you have been made aware and which remains unpaid after the end of the Tenancy;
• The reasonable costs incurred in compensating us for, or for rectifying or remedying any breach by you of your obligations under this Agreement, including but not limited to, those relating to the cleaning of the Property or its Fixtures or Fittings and the removal or storage of any goods that you leave or refuse to remove at the end of the Tenancy;
• Any unpaid accounts or charges for electricity, gas, phone, water, communication services and council-tax incurred at the Property that you are responsible for paying under this Agreement where we have incurred a loss as a result of your failure to pay.
• Any damage, or compensation for damage, to the Property and or its Fixtures and Fittings and or for missing items for which you may be liable, subject to an apportionment or allowance for fair wear and tear, the age and condition of each and any such item at the commencement of the Tenancy, insured risks and repairs that are our responsibility.

4

Why would he have asked your bank details if he wasn’t going to pay some back. Sounds like you are panicking unnecessarily. You maybe just need to ask your Landlord.

5

That is true, just because I have been burnt in the past by landlords.

Thank you for your help