As a tenant, there may come a time when you need to end your Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement before the agreed-upon end date. Perhaps you found a new job in another city, have encountered financial difficulties, or are experiencing issues with your landlord. Whatever the reason, it is possible to end your tenancy early, but there are specific steps you must follow to do so.
1. Check Your Agreement
Before taking any action, it`s essential to review your tenancy agreement to determine whether there is any provision for early termination. Some agreements may include a break clause that allows you to end the agreement early, typically after a specific time has passed. If your agreement includes a break clause, make sure to follow the terms specified in the agreement regarding notice and any other requirements for ending the tenancy.
2. Give Notice
If there is no break clause in your agreement, you`ll have to speak with your landlord about ending the tenancy early. You`ll need to give written notice that you intend to leave, and this notice must be in line with the notice period specified in your agreement. Usually, this will be around two months, but it could be longer, so check your agreement.
3. Negotiate With Your Landlord
Once you`ve given notice, your landlord may try to convince you to stay by offering you a new tenancy agreement. If you need to leave for personal or financial reasons, be honest with your landlord and explain your situation. If your landlord is sympathetic, they may be willing to negotiate an early termination fee or compromise on the notice period. However, there is no obligation for a landlord to agree to an early termination, so be prepared for the possibility that your landlord may refuse.
4. Find a Replacement Tenant
If your landlord is unwilling to end the tenancy early, you may be able to find someone to take over your tenancy. This process is called assignment, and it involves finding someone who is willing to take over your tenancy agreement and pay the rent. You`ll need to get your landlord`s agreement to the assignment, and usually, you`ll need to pay an administration fee for this service.
5. Use Your Deposit
If all else fails, you can try to negotiate the use of your deposit to pay for the rent on the property until a new tenant is found. This option is a last resort as it means you won`t get your deposit back and could end up paying more than you expected if the property is vacant for an extended period.
In summary, there are several options available to end your Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement early. The best course of action is to carefully review your tenancy agreement and speak with your landlord about your options. Remember, honesty and communication are key to resolving any issues that may arise during this process. Good luck!