We don't like living together...

[magic.genie]

I went round to see my tenants last night because they said they had a problem.

"We don't seem to like living together as much as we thought we would"

Sheesh!! So, to cut a long story short, (it's a young couple) she's moved out, so he can't afford it and they want out. They have just paid me the 2nd months rent on a 6 month AST.

I said, I'll see if I can find some more tenants.

But, i just wondered what you people thought of this situation. I'd like for us all to remain friends, and hopefully find new tenants. But, where do I stand legally?

Hope to hear from you
kind regards
Alex

[P.Pilcher]

I understand that if a tenant wishes to leave early and has given the appropriate notice, then the landlord is expected to use his "best endeavours" to find an acceptable replacement tenant as quickly as possible. The original tenant can then be expected to pay rent up to the point at which the new tenant moves in or for the duration of the fixed term of his tenancy, which ever is the less.
The above applies unless the situation is covered by other specific terms in the AST.

P.P.

[Ericthelobster]

Doesn't your AST include a clause covering this eventuality?

Mine contains the following wording: "If you give us notice that you are going to leave the property before this agreement has ended, you must pay our reasonable costs for reletting the property as well as paying the rent until a new tenant moves in"

I've never had to invoke it, but I'm curious to know what 'reasonable costs' would be in practice. I mean, when I have to find a new tenant, because I do everything personally, my only actual outlay would be for advertising. I don't know how or if you'd put a figure on the hours of time involved in preparing paperwork, interviewing/vetting new applicants etc. Probably I wouldn't do so in practice.

Anyone been there, done that?

[magic.genie]

Thanks, for your replies chaps.
kind regards
Alex

[Paul_f]

Wickerman. Just make sure you use a regulated agent [ARLA/NAEA/RICS] to protect yourself. I keep posting this but still landlords use any flashy high street firm!