Hi all,
We moved into our rented flat around 8 months ago. Before we signed the agreement, we asked the letting agents whether there were planned cladding replacement works due to start on the building and made it very clear we would not move in if this was the case as we both work night shifts and would need to sleep in the day. The letting agents advised there were no works planned.
On our first day in the flat, we found out from the caretaker that building works were due to start later that month. We therefore contacted the letting agents immediately expressing a desire to end the tenancy, based on the fact it was signed under false pretences. This was refused as the landlord and letting agents both claimed they knew nothing of the planned building works.
Since this, we have gained proof that the landlord was aware of the building works, months before we moved in.
The landlord has agreed to end the tenancy early with no early exit fees, provided that we pay rent and bills up until a new tenant is found. This doesn’t seem like a fair deal, as it provides the letting agents with no incentive to find new tenants, and makes it impossible for us to find a new flat, coordinating move in/move out dates as we cannot afford to be paying two lots of rent.
Is it reasonable for us to give the agents/landlord a month’s notice and advise we will not be paying rent or bills after this date as we would have never signed the contract had we not been lied to?
Any help/advice would be very much appreciated!