Tenancy deposit question.

[robbocop33]

Something that happened to me few months back split up from girlfriend, found a flat, paid nearly 900 quid, deposit and months rent up front.
Swiftly heard misses was thinking about topping herself! (well i am bloody gorgeous) so, much panicking/dialogue ensued and it turned out i didn't even stay one night in the flat i had paid deposit on!
So was half expecting some of the money back considering i hadn't spent a night there! i got nowt! in fact estate agency said i would be liable for 6 months rent if i didn't give up deposit etc?
Does this sound right?

Edited by robbocop33 on Sunday 10th September 20:43

[anonymous-user]

Yes.

Presumably you signed the AST? Then broke the terms of it You're fortunate they aren't hounding you for the 6 months rent.

[Big_Dog]

You could try having a chat/write to the landlord. I would suggest paying the rent until he relets the place and then gives you your deposit back less his agency fees.
I have done this in the past (I am a landlord) If the LL comes out square they will be happy. Otherwise why should your problems cost them money.
Sounds harsh I know, but you did sign the contract with your eyes open.
Some agents can be less generous than the LL and will want to be charging fees twice.

Edited by Big_Dog on Sunday 10th September 21:31

[superlightr]

robbocop33 said:

Something that happened to me few months back split up from girlfriend, found a flat, paid nearly 900 quid, deposit and months rent up front.
Swiftly heard misses was thinking about topping herself! (well i am bloody gorgeous) so, much panicking/dialogue ensued and it turned out i didn't even stay one night in the flat i had paid deposit on!
So was half expecting some of the money back considering i hadn't spent a night there! i got nowt! in fact estate agency said i would be liable for 6 months rent if i didn't give up deposit etc?
Does this sound right?

Edited by robbocop33 on Sunday 10th September 20:43

Yes you and her are jointly and severally liable for the full rent for the full fixed term.

I'm a bit confused - What are they actually saying to you? You can be released for £x? or you BOTH can be released for £x ? or you confirm you have no claim on the deposit and you can be released?


Technically if one person leaves when its a joint tenancy the whole tenancy ends and a new one needs to be set up. In practice most agents will just take off one name.

Have they protected the deposit? both of your names should be on the deposit.

As a letting agency we would require both to be responsible until the end of the fixed term. If both wanted to end the tenancy early then there would be a fee for us to re-advertise/relet and you would be liable for the rent until new tenants move in.

Edited by superlightr on Monday 11th September 10:08

Edited by superlightr on Monday 11th September 10:08

Edited by superlightr on Monday 11th September 10:09

[KevinCamaroSS]

Background is irrelevant. You signed a contract and then decided you did not want to continue it. Your liability is to pay the rent until either the landlord finds a new tenant or your six months is up. Also you would be liable for the landlord's costs in finding a new tenant. At the point where you are no longer liable you will be entitled to get your deposit back