Can I leave my flat before th lease ends?

Question

I share a flat in the UK and am halfway through a 6 month lease. The problem is I want to move out, and with good reason. Firstly the landlord had the living room and kitchen ceilings redone and moved out all of the furniture for 3 or 4 days, now next week he's doing the same to mine and I have to move into a flat next door.

If that wasn't enough one of the flatmates is a simple sod who can barely look after himself and has just informed me his room is infested with fleas!! He has moved all of the furntiture out into the hall.

Can I use this against my landlord to let me out early with my deposit back?

Answer 1

Not without giving the landlord time to fix the flea problem.  You were just informed now the landlord needs to be informed.

While 3 or 4 days in a different flat is irratating, it is not grounds for breaking your lease.  The landlord is fixing up the flats.  Be gratefull. He could be a slumlord that doesnt fix anything.  3 or 4 days is not a big deal.  

You didnt say if anyone has pets.  If not, the fleas came in on someones clothing from either outside (sand fleas) or from someone visiting that has a animal.

Regardless of the "simple sod", if he pays his rent, it has nothing to do with you.

None of your reasons are a good one to try to break the lease.

Answer 2

Yes you should be able to move out.

Answer 3

Hi

The landlord is breaking the terms of the lease, by working on rooms that you have paid rent for and you are unable to use. Also if you do not want him in the property, just say. If he continues to enter the property against your will, he is trespassing. Have you signed a tenancy for the whole flat with the other tenant, or just for ther room?

Your deposit is protected, or should be? And if it is then it can not be used for rent.

You need to get this sorted out, if the landlord is not being reasonable then move out.

The person who said its not enough to move out, must be the landlord of some pretty bad places.

Answer 4

Yes, you have very valid reasons to move out ASAP! Best Wishes!

Answer 5

UK? It would depend solely on your tenancy status. You may be in breach of contract, if you move out before the lease expires. You would need to get permission from your landlord, to quit the tenancy and I would suggest you get the permission in writing. If you don't, you may be liable for the rent for the rest of lease period. You would need to give the landlord the proper notice. Again depending on your tenancy status.

If you paid your deposit on or after 6 April 2007, your deposit will be protected by new rules. These say that your landlord must put your deposit in a tenancy deposit protection scheme. At the end of the tenancy, you are guaranteed to get your deposit back within 10 days, as long as you and your landlord have agreed on how much you should get back.

Have a look at the stuff on the site below, before you do anything.

Answer 6

Read your agreement. You signed it. You are bound by it, as is the Landlord.

Answer 7

None of the conditions you've described are valid reasons for your lease to be terminated. If you decide of your own accord to simply pack up and go, you will still be liable for the remaining rent.

Before you do something that could damage your credit or get you into legal trouble, sit down and talk with your landlord to see if he will resolve the issues.

Answer 8

Conditions contrary to the good faith of lease must have documentation.  License and Inspection violations must also be documented be correct authority.

Formal breech of lease contract must be put in writing and delivered to landlord or managing agency with return receipt as proof.  Return of deposit and or security funds should be similarly requested.

Failure of landlord to comply enables a complaint to be filed with legal authorities.

Answer 9

I have to say I agree with above- these aren't valid reasons to terminate.  Perhaps you and your rommie could look together to sublet your room.