Legality of termination of lease

[BFleming]

My son & his friend were recently served notice from his rented property as the landlord's daughter was moving in. This happened mid 12 month contract in their 2nd year as there was a 6 month break clause. They left, begrudgingly, and moved into a new property. Today though, they discovered that the property is on the market, with no-one reoccupying their old property prior to it being put up for sale. Is there any way to dob the landlord in for this? Or is it a case of "move on". They're livid, but there's probably not a lot they can do. Any views one way or the other?

[crofty1984]

Other than egg his car I can't think of much you can do. They were given notice to leave and left.

[BFleming]

crofty1984 said:

Other than egg his car I can't think of much you can do. They were given notice to leave and left.

Fair enough - that's kind of what I thought, but wasn't 100% on the legality of reasons for termination.

[Opapayer]

No comeback whatsoever. They could try to sue him for breach of contract and enjoy spending a fortune to do that with no chance of success, although I’d be interested to know what loss they suffered and how they’re quantifying it.

Out of interest, who do you propose “dobbing him in to”?

[davek_964]

Until 1st May, the landlord didn't need any reason. They could literally wake up one morning and give notice with no reason at all.
After 1st May, it's a different ball game thanks to Renters Rights Act - which may well be why the landlord decided to kick them out and sell up.

[98elise]

davek_964 said:

Until 1st May, the landlord didn't need any reason. They could literally wake up one morning and give notice with no reason at all.
After 1st May, it's a different ball game thanks to Renters Rights Act - which may well be why the landlord decided to kick them out and sell up.

Both reasons (relative moving in, or selling) are also valid reasons after 1st May though. It will just be much harder as a Section 8 eviction if the tenant wants to make the landlords life difficult.

Edited by 98elise on Wednesday 29th April 18:04

[Landlubber]

davek_964 said:

Until 1st May, the landlord didn't need any reason. They could literally wake up one morning and give notice with no reason at all.
After 1st May, it's a different ball game thanks to Renters Rights Act - which may well be why the landlord decided to kick them out and sell up.

It's what we've just done.

[Opapayer]

98elise said:

Both reasons (relative moving in, or selling) are also valid reasons after 1st May though. It will just be much harder as a Section 8 eviction if the tenant wants to make the landlords life difficult.

Edited by 98elise on Wednesday 29th April 18:04

It probably won’t. If the tenant wants to make the landlord’s life difficult now (or any time prior to the RRA) then they can with ease. Post 1st May the courts have to award possession where the S8 has been correctly issued. No ifs, no buts. How long things are going to take to get to a hearing is going to be the big elephant in the room though.