I plan to move abroad soon to take a new job, bu i have a fixed term rental agreement can I stop it ?

Question

I signed a contract for 12 months and in theory the contract is still running for 6 months. Is there a way for me to come out of it ? without penalties?

precision: I live in London and took the contract through an agency but pay my landlord directly through direct debit

Answer 1

If you are being relocated because of work you should be able to get out of the lease.  Check your lease.

Answer 2

No, you signed a contract, you have to honour it, just as the landlord has to honour their end.

Your reason for wanting out is irrelevant.  

Your best move is to speak with the landlord WELL in advance, and work out a plan to re-let the property.  With enough notice, that can usually be done, but it is entirely up to the landlord, so ask nicely!

Answer 3

The only legal way for you to get out of it, is for both parties (yourself and your landlord) to agree on an early cancellation of the contract. On the other hand, as you're leaving the country, why not pay up until you leave, and then leave a message to your landlord stating that you have left the property. It's unlikely they will take any further action if you're paid up to that date, as the time and costs in trying to recover the remainder of the contract are far too great.