cancelling a rental contract help!!

[aupairinitaly]

Im in the uk, and signed a contract for another year in my current house on Wednesday.
However... I have just been offered a job in Italy for a year that I didn't think I would get...hence why I signed. Current tenancy runs out on July 1st. I live with two mature (well...early twenties!) students, and was a student myself until recently, so it is with a student lettings property.
My two friends are fine about it if we can cancel, as they will just get a place together.
THINK we all have individual contracts, although we all have our own guarantours. (sp)

I am going to see the letting agency tomorrow if they are open! if not, it will have to be Monday.
There is no one that we know that could take my place, and my friends will not live with a stranger (understandable) so cannot advertise on gumtree etc.

So, for those MNers in the know, a few questions:

1. Is there a cooling off period? Haven't got my photocopy of the contract to hand.

2. It is a 'student house' I will be one non student with 2 students. therefore the council tax status will change, which I don't think the landlord/agency will like? Is this likely to be a bargaining chip for cancelling ie I'm not going to be a student anymore.

3. If we offered to find 3 people for the house, then transfer of tenancy could happen...is offering the way forward?? Or do I just try and insist on cancelling??? As the new term hasn't started yet?
   and we have been ideal tenants...rent paid on time, we have done loads to the house out of our own pocket because landlord wouldn't pay, even though the letting agent suggested it eg, fixing paving slabs, fixing steps, fixing weather shields to the front door to stop draughts, replacing a lock when it stopped working...

4. any ideas?????

bump

help??

??

you need to check the terms of your contract, but I would have thought it unlikely to contain a cooling off period

there is some general advice here or once you have your contract to hand then contact their advice line for help with anything you are not sure about.

I dont think the landlord will care about council tax, as it will be you who has to pay it, not them, so it wont make any difference to them.

I think that the best thing is to try and find someone else for the house. The landlords are more likely to think that is OK than just cancelling the contract. Does it have to be 3 people for the house, or could you look for 1 person who could live with your friends?