UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi,

I am a landlord, and recently through a letting agent, signed up a tenant. We lived in the property before we decided to rent it out,

Once the tenant had signed up, they noticed some electrical issue that we had not when living there. They asked for an inspection which of course we organized.

Now 2 weeks on, after paying for all gas certificate, home care, landlord building insurance, our letting agent has said the tenant doesn't wish to stay any longer and has found another property to move in to and wants all money back.

Apparently we just found out that the tenant still didn't move in yet, so the agent said...

Assuming you have a signed AST and have taken a deposit etc. (otherwise, I guess you would not handed keys over etc.), unfortunately - for the Tenants, that is - they can't break the contract.

It is possible for you to enforce the terms of the AST for its fixed term - be it 6 months or 12 months.

However, pragmatically speaking, the Tenants want to leave... it'll be an uphill battle for both sides. They'll be demanding money back. You'll be demanding rent. There's a possibility it could end up in Court.

Consider letting them go... you've done all the pre-work (as you've mentioned) so hopefully you can let it again quickly. Make it clear to the Tenants (and I'm not sure why your Agent hasn't done this already, are you?) that they are liable for rent up until the time you find a replacement and any fees you incur for re-letting. This is your due - your compensation - for them having what amounts to a change of heart.

The quicker you get new Tenants in, the less time you waste not getting any rent and the less you eat into the life of your insurance, GSC, home care contracts etc., which I assume are annual.

Also unsure what electrical issue you're referring to. Sounds like the Tenants just found a better deal, but who knows their real reasoning.