Is it possible to end a tenancy agreement early?

[DejaB00]

We've been in our current house for 2 years and signed a new 12 month contract a couple of months ago. I have read through it 3 times and can't see anything about being able to end it early.
We want another baby but this house is too small therefore need to move...
If it is possible any ideas how much notice I'd have to give? And if additional fees might be involved?
Thank you ladies

[smokinaces]

I've ended them early in the past, as have my ex landlords. Its 1 months notice from you, 2 from them I think. I've never paid any extra fees either.

[MrsIcarus]

Do you know the type of tenancy? Does it say "assured shorthold" anywhere on it? Most lettings are done using an assured shorthold tenancy (AST). ASTs don't always include a break clause (ie the right for you to end it early).

If you've signed up for 12 months and there's no break clause then technically you're liable for the rent for 12 months. You'd have to negotiate with the landlord to get out early. There is some guidance from the govt that suggests it might be unfair to hold you to a 12 mth contract - I'll see if I can find it now.

[DejaB00]

Thanks MrsIcarus, yep it does say AST....

[ninjanurse]

Sometimes landlords will let you out early if they are able to find another tenant to move in straight away.

[OwedToAutumn]

Landlords are usually ordinary people.

Contact them and ask. Even if there's no break clause, they may have reasons for wanting the property back, anyway, or may be okay about not holding you to the contract provided the property can be re-let with you in situ. (You might need to make sure it is spic and span for viewings, of course.)

[DejaB00]

Our landlord is a complete tw*t. The property is managed but the agent can never get hold if him, he doesn't answer calls or reply to emails. The house is in a bad state and he will need to do some work before re-letting it... Doesn't sound good does it?!

[EdithWeston]

No, but worth a shot.

And if they say no, unless you are already PG, remember there's only 10 months to run, so waiting just a couple of months before TTC could solve it for you anyhow. As you can never be certain anyhow how long it would take to conceive, would that really be a plan wrecker?

[MrsIcarus]

www.communities.gov.uk/publications/housing/assuredassuredtenants

Paragraph 5.6 of the guidance explains the legal position if you want to leave early.

[DejaB00]

Thanks MrsIcarus. That's interesting, although I doubt he will re-let it straight away because of the work needed. It was empty for 3 months before we came along.
Edith you're right, but we are expecting a small windfall which would have been perfect timing. Why not save it for 10 months' time I hear you ask? Because it will just get swallowed up to pay off credit cards and loans...