More like a rant

Tenant Discussion
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Hi I’m in a one bedroom with 2 children soon to be 3 I’m working and on universal credit I’ve told my landlord I’m pregnant but also when my boys were getting older I made her aware that I will be looking for more space

I’ve now found somewhere suitable and told my landlord that I will be moving barring in mind I have paid rent in months advance rent wouldn’t be due until mid august she then said I will have to pay extra if she doesn’t find anyone

It’s just adding a lot of stress to me this approach I was met with as again I’m pregnant moving and my child’s father not long past away

Within 20 minutes of me saying me and my family found somewhere place has been relisted I was given a long list of things to do before I leave which I would have anyways empty out property professional clean hand back keys etc

Is it my business if landlord doesn’t find a new tenant ??

Why would I have to pay extra if I’ve given notice and pay my rent always in advance ??

Please advice - who’s wrong and who’s right

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Hi, Bianca.
As long as your fixed period tenancy has lapsed and you’re on periodic and give one month notice, it’s on LL to find a new tenant and nothing to do with you. Also, I’m very impressed that you pay for professional clean. Most T clean themselves, and not to a high standard, if at all )).

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she then said “I will have to pay extra if she doesn’t find anyone.”

For the LL to make such a statement it would imply that you are still in the fixed-term of the tenancy.

I wouldn’t worry about it too much.
I am almost certain that in this climate of high demand for rental properties the LL should
be able to find another tenant within a month of you giving notice to leave.

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indeed, if she accepts universal credit in the first place I am sure there will be plenty.

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Notice of one month has to be given from the date that your rent is due if you are on a Periodic tenancy ie if your rent due date is on 15th July and you hand in your notice a week later on 22nd, your notice period starts on 15th August, meaning 15th September would be when your liability ends. Landlords often agree to release you from a tenancy if another tenant is able to move in and start paying so its worth an ask

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Thanks for the advice

If I handed in notice 20th July but paid from 17th to 17th august what I’m a liable to pay if anything.

I’ve also now left property with all my things and an inventory is being done 1st august but I’ve left the place in the best condition

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The answer deprnds on what type of contract you have and whether you are now in a rolling periodic tenancy.

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Speak to shelter they love this type of thing

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Hi Bianca
You can end tenancies by either agreement with the landlord - most will agree to one months notice - but always get this in writing

OR you can issue a “legal notice to quit” - this must specify the day you intent to leave by . You can get a template for a notice to quit here Letter template: Notice to quit - Shelter England

If you don’t do either of these your landlord can appeal to a court - your case is strongest if you have paid on each due date including paying for a final part month on the due date. Judges seldom take the side of tenants who deliberately withhold rent.

But if you have given proper notice (ie in writing or by email and have evidence of that) you should not have to pay more than a month if you are on a periodic rolling tenancy (there is an exception if it is a contractual rolling tenancy but if you think you may be on one of those consult a solicitor or seek legal advice from a housing charity)

Please make sure

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You can only do this if your tenancy is now periodic, hence my earlier comment.

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