UK Landlord Forum / Life

In March 2019 I paid 6 months rent in advance, this was on the verbal understanding that I would be able to 'break the contract' due to unusual circumstances. We had rented the apartment for 3 years and 7 months. On first renting we paid 6 months rent in advance as we had returned from abroad and had no credit history. We gad continued to pay 6 months in advance despite asking if we could 'pay monthly'. We were advised by the agents that this would not be viable as it would cost to have a credit check once again. In November 2018 I advised the agent that my husband had developed an advanced state of  Alzeimers and that I had applied to our local council for sheltered accommodation as the apartment was no longer a safe place for him.
When the rent was due I explained to the agent that I did not know how long the waiting list was for housing and I would pay the credit check in order to pay monthly. I was assured that it would be no problem that so long as the agents could re let the apartment we would receive a refund, We vacated the apartment on April 27th have given a months notice. We know the apartment was re let within a week.
As of this time despite repeated e mails I cannot get an answer as to how long the advance rent will take to be re paid. I understand from the agent that there will be a £250 deduction for 'breaking the contract'.
Please I need advice as to my rights and what I do next. As I am a pensioner with a sick husband I am tottaly lost!!!

Because your move, and the costs you have incurred, were about your husband's care needs following his diagnosis of Alzheimers, this question presents quite a few interesting complexities.  "Sheltered accommodation" has a number of meanings and can be provided and/or partially funded by either a District or a County Council depending on the circumstances.  It may be that you can ask the Council to either fund, or else dispute on your behalf, the £250 deduction.  Has your husband received a Social Care Assessment from a social worker?  If so, try ringing the social worker and asking them if they can help.  If not, apply for one now.  It will take some time to come through. 

Did you provide a deposit to the lettings agent as well as the six months in advance, and if so, how much?  And, in total, exactly how much money do they owe you?

I have had tenants needing to move out before the lease expired,and it has been the case that this was accepted as long as they covered the agent's reletting fees,and paid rent up until a new tenancy began.They may be within their rights to withhold the cost of reletting,but what is legally correct and what is humane and decent are two different things.If the money owed includes your original deposit,this should have been repaid within 10 days of you  leaving.If you don't have anyone to fight your corner,I would tell them you will be phoning Radio 4's You and Yours consumer programme.If that does not faze them,you should contact CAB who may have a branch at your local library.They sound like utter shits. Hope this gets resolved quickly,good luck!