Consequences of breaking a 12 month rental contract?

[Simon E]

Question for the Spanish residents:

What can a landlord do if I break a 12 month contract early? I am only 3 months into a contract but due to various issues with the apartment I want to get out of here.

The landlord has been totally unresponsive from his side dealing with any issues (oven not working, heating not working, no phone line and no chance of getting one either etc etc)

So I don't think I am being too harsh as he is not holding up his end of the contract. Also I have bought a new washing machine, fridge freezer and various other bits that I will leave in the apartment. He has a 2 month deposit which he will of course keep. I was a landlord myself previously and always looked after my tenants so not too guilty about bailing out on this guy.

I will be moving back to the UK at the end of next month and just wondered what can this landlord do from Spain when I move back to the UK? He won't have my address, phone number or UK bank account.

[mickrick]

As far as I am aware, you can leave whenever you want. The contract is usually to protect the tenant.
You are entitled to your deposit back if there is no damage. But in my experience of renting in Spain in the past, they will find an excuse not to give it back, so most people don't pay the last month rent to cover for this.
From what you've written, I wouldn't feel guilty about it.

[Simon E]

Hi Mick,

Yes having spoken to a good few Spanish and English locals here in Spain yesterday they are saying the same as you. So I will be back in UK at end of October, happy days.

[mickrick]

There seems to be a lot of ex-pats going home recently. Good luck with your move.