No break clause in new contract

Tenant Discussion
1

I have been renting the same property for 4 years. My original contract for one year in 2020 was 11 pages long with terms and conditions and included a break clause for after that time.
The subsequent fixed tenancy agreements have only been 3 pages long with barely any terms and conditions. ‘Special and additional clauses’ have been referred to but the pages aren’t included in that agreement.
I have signed a fixed agreement until December this year.
Can I argue that that break clause from the original agreement still stands?

2

No you cant argue that. Why dont you just give 6 month terms and then let it go monthly periodic? Far better for you and the tenants.

3

er… I think the OP is a tenant @David122

4

Yes, I am the tenant

5

I’m the tenant. I want to buy a house and the landlord is refusing to release me from my contract unless I pay to find/reference a new tenant and pay until a new one is found. Just wondered if I could argue the break clause, as they’d have to find a new tenant in December anyway so the estate agents fees aren’t an extra cost for them.

6

Couple of questions to see how much leverage you have:

  1. were you given a copy of a valid gas safety certificate prior to signing the very first agreement when you moved in?
  2. has the LL properly protected your deposit throughout the tenancy?
7

… and resolve that this is the last time in your life that you ever sign anything that refers to documentation that you do not have possession of and have not in fact read!

8

Yes and yes.

I think I just have to pay it, don’t I? But I wanted to check before I agree to anything

9

if you signed an agreement that has a fixed term and no break clause then you are contracturally bound to pay until December, yes. Hopefully the LL can find someone quickly and thereby keep your costs down. To that end, it’s in your interest to leave the property in tip top condition so that they can get it rented again. However, they’re under no obligation at all to find anyone quickly as they know you have to pay until December. I would also make sure you have exchanged contracts on your house purchase before you move out and hand back keys. You don’t want to be left homeless.

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10

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