Landlord saying she didn't receive notice.

[prettypurpledaisy]

I wrote to my landlord and gave notice (due to the timing of my new tenancy I was too late for that month so gave 6 weeks notice and paid rent on both properties). I took the keys into the shop they own and she denied receiving my notice. She said that they had moved but had never given me their forwarding address or a new contact number. I know the letting agent contacted them about my new tenancy as there was a delay and it was vaguely stressful waiting.
Where do I stand legally? I have no proof of posting but surely i did the right thing and the change of address if not my fault.
Thanks.

Did you give your notice to the agent or the LL?

Do you have a copy of the letter?

Did you not think it strange you didn't get an acknowledgement? Normally LLs will give you information on the checking out process.

If you just moved and didn't pay rent they could try to withhold your deposit. They will be in breach because they didn't keep you updated on their new address, but you will have to argue your case with the deposit holder.

did you really have no contact with your landlord between sending the notice and handing in the keys? Did you not think it curious that you weren't contacted about checkout, inventory, deposit etc?

even shelter recommend that you keep a copy and use recorded delivery.

I am obviously too trusting, I have been their tenant for three and a half years, I didn't even have a regular tenancy agreement it was for 6 months and then a rolling month to month from then on. I am a little shocked that they moved a year ago and didn't give me a new address or phone number but as I have never rented before I didn't realise this was odd until I took out the tenancy on my current property. I have a copy of my letter but didnt send it recorded. Oh well you live and learn.

rolling month to month is standard and perfectly legal.

Guessing they didn't receive notice due to moving without your knowledge. They should have had a clue you were planning to leave when they were asked about your new tenancy, but they didn't do anything about this. How did the agent know how to contact them?

What is surprising is that you didn't seem to expect any checkout or return of deposit, or chased for an acknowledgement of an important document. Also that you have had no need to contact them for a year. Must have been a good property.

they may have had tenants do a runner before and so are not disposed to be kind. They need their property to pay its way of course.

as you note - life lesson. Protect yourself next time.

You know I would check with Shelter (they have a free phone number), if you told the letting agents (who are acting on behalf of the landlord) and sent a letter to their last address (as the LL had failed to tell you their new address) I think that might be 'deemed service' and your notice stands. I mean, how were you supposed to serve notice if you didn't have their address..... (Disclaimer - my tenancy law is pretty rusty so def check with Shelter).

now there's a thought. Let us know what happens.

still puzzled at no contact with landlord for a year.