To move back in with mum?

[LostandNoHome]

I moved from one part of the UK to a different part of the country for work purposes. Anyway, I have been renting here for 6 months. I told my landlord that I would like to renew my tenancy contract.

The landlord agreed, said I have been a great tenant. They then decided to tell me I would have an inspection, with a three hour notice while I was getting ready for work. I told them to go ahead - mentally because I knew I haven’t broken anything or damaged anything. I also knew if I was to leave, I would find the place the same as I left it in terms of general maintenance of appliances.

I had the inspection. It ended with me being screamed at (literally screamed at me at the top of their voice) because of general cleanliness. I was told that I need to move out and threatened with a bad reference. So not formally evicted but it sounds like I will be, because the place wasn’t kept clean enough - no property damage, no repairs needed, no appliances need to be replaced. I don’t get it.

Anyway, I’m thinking of leaving this place now because my landlord screamed at me, threatened me with eviction and threatened me with a bad reference. My parents would be happy for me to stay temporarily as they live commutable distance from my work. My parents wouldn’t charge me rent and they would allow me to save to buy my own place. I have booked a cleaning company to deep clean the place and I’m planning to hand in my notice during the next inspection in two weeks time, problem is before this inspection, I already committed to a 12 month tenancy so leaving early would make things difficult. I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to continue paying the mortgage for someone who screams at me for such reasons, instead of having a reasonable discussion, but AIBU? Maybe other people will see something I don’t or offer a different perspective?

I genuinely felt shaken and still feel shaken after having them screaming and shouting at me

Your NBU but people like that will pursue you through the courts.

Have you signed anything??

And what was the general cleanliness actually like OP?

I haven’t signed any official documents beyond the initial six months but for the contract renewal for the next six I was made to put it in writing with my name attached so kind of in a way.

So you will likely have to pay for another 6 months…then move out

So you’re signed an addendum renewing the contract for another six months? That could be a problem.

Of course they shouldn’t have screamed at you, but I would get some advice from Shelter re. What you’ve signed.

I would send them an email confirming that they have asked you to leave. Then it has them who have terminated the contract and there is nothing for them to pursue. “Following our conversation at the end of today’s inspection, I understand that you have served me notice to leave the property. Could you please confirm that that is one months notice with a final date of X”

Thank you for this advice. You’re right, technically, it is them who has decided to end our tenancy agreement.

Following this I am never, ever renting. I will live in a hostel before this.

So you wanted to stay and asked for a contract renewal

But now you don't.

If you are sure you don't want to stay, then it looks like it has worked out well for you that they now want you to leave.

but from what you've written, I'm not sure how clear cut that is.

i hope it works out anyway. Get it all in writing.

What were they screaming at you about?
How dirty is the property? Is there mould visible?

Why did they want an inspection with only 3 hours notice? Normally it’s a minimum 24 hours, and the land lord can’t demand a random ad hoc one as far as I am aware. Could it not have waited a day or two? Most people would not have an absolutely pristine house in “inspection ready” state in the circumstances you describe, but it must’ve been in an appalling state if they are chucking you out. What was wrong they felt it appropriate to go berserk at you? Obviously they should not have shouted and screamed at you, but I can only imagine they were freaked out about vermin or not being able to return property to sanitary state without expensive work like redecoration and re-carpeting.
If they want you out then you don’t need to worry about the new lease you signed, message them ASAP saying you’ve found somewhere else as instructed and will return property in proper state at end of month’s notice.

Don’t use them as a reference - put your tenancy period down as living with parents. Being reported to potential landlords as a really dirty tenant will mean no rental no matter how prompt your payments are and how quiet a neighbour you are.

That’s good advice, @Herdinggoats . If they confirm in writing that they’re ending the tenancy, you’re all set. Fingers crossed that they do. 🤞