Tenant left without notice

Landlord Discussion Legal
1

My tenant left without notice due to visa issue. they let me know on 02/02/26 that they had vacated and left the country (keys left in postbox). They were on a periodic tenancy and rent was paid on 11th of each month. What would be the correct end of tenancy date? Tenant asked to end it on 02/02/26 but surely there is the one month notice period notice to be taken into account.

2

Does the tenancy agreement say that deductions can be made from deposit for non-payment of rent? If so, then get their agreement in writing that you will deduct the month’s notice period rent from deposit before releasing it to them. In fact, you could even try this if the AST doesn’t as they’ve broken contract anyway. Then, if they challenge it, you have written backup.

As they’ve apparently left the country (you’ve no proof obvs) and returned keys, you probably want to cut your losses here as there’s going to be no legal way to pursue them unless you have a guarantor (unlikely with expat tenant).

I’m assuming that the tenancy is periodic and no fixed term remains.

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3

What does your tenancy agreement say? If they have gone abroad, how would you enforce?

Check the tenancy agreement to see what it says, and then claim what you can from the deposit if you have one. Move on.

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4

Thank you, yes the tenancy agreement allows deduction from the deposit. Just trying to figure out what the tenant would owe. From my calculations, end date should have been 10th March but I may be incorrect. TBH the deposit will all be gone as there are other issues. I am not epxecting to get anything on top of the deposit.

5

You can charge rent only up to the date you accept his implied surrender, which if you want to enter the property for cleaning, repairs and re-letting, should be that day.

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6

then any rent owed is a moot point. Claim full deposit for other issues and move on.

This is a typical situation when renting to expats so bear that in mind if you do it again. It works both ways too, many of my British expat colleagues did runners from their jobs/accommodation when I was working overseas.

7

If they are coming back to the uk tell themU will inform the Home Office immigration authorities they left w/o paying their rent . That normally works . worked for me

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