Tenants want to leave early

[larry5]

We own a flat which is let out to tenants who requested that we have a 12 month agreement. We were quite happy with that but they have now given us notice that they wish to terminate the tenancy in a months time which is two months early.

Are they free to do this or can we insist on them paying us rent for the whole of the 12 months.

Hope someone can help.

Just got this from the shelter website.

here

'Ending the tenancy before the fixed term is up
Your tenancy agreement should say whether or not you can end your tenancy before the fixed term is up, and how much notice you need to give. If your tenancy agreement doesn't mention this, you may find your landlord can still charge you rent until the fixed term is over, even if you need to move out before this.'

hth

This has happened twice to us. Both times we held on to the deposit, but didn't bother pursuing for anything more.

Thanks for your help. We have spoken to our letting agent (we manage the property) and put it back on the letting market. The tenants are responsible for the rent until the end of the agreement but if it is let before then they can stop paying us.

We will see what happens now we have told them this.