rental/tenancy agreement questions

[theworldisspinning]

We are currently in a rental house that we intended to buy. Unfortunately the sale is not going ahead. They are now selling the house they are currently in, to move back into the house we are in once sold.

The tenancy agreement states it is a '12 monthly periodic tenancy' so unless they allow us to leave before we are stuck until the 12 months end, however that would equally apply to them not being able to kick us out at the drop of the hat if their house sells.

But, prior to us renting the house, we have a letter from them saying the terms and conditions of the rent before purchasing are a rental period of six months, renewable on a monthly basis after that. The letter is signed.

Would the fact the tenancy agreement is newer than the letter mean the letter is irrelevant or could it hold any sway in getting us out sooner?

Thanks in advance :)

Is it an Assured Shorthold Tenancy ? If so you can terminate with notice (usually a month on tenant , 2 on ll) after 6 months or same terms roll on. 12 months simply means rent etc won't change in the meantime.

That is wholly wrong. You are tied in to the 12 months and so is your LL. you can only get out of it if you both agree. The 12 month rule for no rent increase applies to tenancies that are for a period of less than 12 months.