Letting Agents refusing to take back property?

[Wilma89]

Hello there mumsnet. This is my first thread so please be gentle as I could really do with some advice.

I need to move back to my native country in December because of health issues. This was decided on fairly short notice.
I contacted the letting agency on which I now have a periodic letting agreement with to give my notice, in the email I also explained that I understand I would have to pay for the December / January rent due to being late with giving notice.

So I get an email back, accepting that much and confirming my tenancy will end on January 4th. However, when I wrote them I requested handing back the property around December 3rd as I am leaving for another country later that week, which they refuse. They say I have to keep the heating on in the flat for the entirety of December and check back on the property regularly to make sure it’s okay.

What I don’t get is, I am obviously gonna pay but wouldn’t they be better off taking the flat back in December and try to get new tenants in? They are basically telling me I cannot leave the country and if I do, I would have to return in January to do the check-out procedure.

Feel lost, I can’t possibly stay in the UK than the first week of December. What would you do in my situation?

Nobody? :/

If you don’t get any responses try moving to Legal. (Report your post and ask for it to be moved.). MN usually loves a rented property dispute so don’t worry I’m sure people will weigh in!

Personally I have no bloody clue I would be inclined to be upfront with the letting agent and tell them no way will you be doing that and see what they say, also read your contract carefully and see if there is a clause about occupying the property continually.

They can’t stop you leaving. Just tell them they can either have the keys back in person earlier or you’ll drop them through the letterbox when you go. Make sure you give final meter readings to the utilities providers.

Thy can ask you to leave the heating on but you don’t have to.

And take photographs of everything (date and time stamped) in case they try to claim there is damage.

Thank you guys so much. They just got back to me again saying that there is no chance they will take full possession until the agreement was up. All they keep saying is that I have to find someone to do the check out on my behalf?

Good tip about the images anyways, I’ll be sure to do that!

Ridiculous. Can you look up the owner on the landlord register and contact direct?

Be firm. Send a email saying you won’t be checking in and I will pop the keys through the door. They are being unreasonable and god know why they wouldn’t want to start doing viewings that whole month is basically a months rent for them to keep.

Tenancy Deposit Scheme says it’s not mandatory for you to be there:
www.tenancydepositscheme.com/resources/files/A%20guide%20to%20check%20in%20and%20check%20out%20reports,%20inventories%20and%20schedules%20of%20condition.pdf

I’d quote that to them!

Worth noting that the TDS places more weight on written evidence with photos, rather than just photos. Might be worth making your own detailed written notes on the condition of the property.

Did you check your contract?