What are my options, legally

[Ineedlegalhelp]

I live in a privately rented accommodation in southwest England. I have a 12 month assured short hold tenancy. I have 4 months left

However, my circumstances have changed and I can no longer afford to live in the house

I have informed my landlord of the change in my finances and that I will like to vacate. No response from him. It is now 2 weeks since I informed him. I have sent a reminder

Please lawyers and experienced people and experts in the house, what are my options. Below is the relevant section of the contract

If in breach of this Agreement the Tenant vacates the Premises before the Expiry Date, the Tenant will be liable to pay:
The Rent up to the date that the Premises are re-let or the Expiry Date, whichever is the sooner; and the standard rate of Council Tax up until the date that the Premises are re -let or the Expiry Date whichever is the sooner; and any standing and/or consumption charges for Utilities up until the date that the Premises are re-let or the Expiry Date whichever is the sooner; and a pro-rata part of the Landlord's costs of re-letting the Premises should the Premises be re-let before the Expiry Date

South West , rural area

The landlord doesn't have to release you early, or reply to your correspondence. He does have to mitigate his loses once you notify him formally you are leaving, as long as you vacate by that date.

Other options- benefits.
Or try and negotiate a reduced rent for the remainder of the term or until he re-lets.

Are your financial circumstances affected by Covid? I thought landlords were being encouraged by the government to be lenient and work with tenants to find a solution. It’s better for him than you stopping paying rent, and it would take him at least 4 months to legally evict you. I agree with a PP, do speak to Shelter as soon as you can, they are on the tenants side and will have experience of this kind of situation.

What were the changes to your circumstances?

Try and find out if you would be eligible for Housing Benefit (or the housing element of UC). Apply.

And urgently contact your local authority Housing Options team and you are 'threatened with homelessness'. They will take an application from you though it might take a couple of weeks or more to be assessed. If there is a duty owed to assist you, they might be able to contribute to the rent to keep you in the property with funds from their Homelessness Prevention Fund (assuming you're in UK?). It is worth asking now as without assistance now you may become homeless.. and they are assisting with 'preventing' nowadays, not just homeless now.

Look at Shelter's website to see if you would be eligible for help from a local authority they give good advice

As previous posters mention, I would seek professional advice from shelter or another professional housing support service. This could escalate quickly (months go by quick and with it rent due dates), supporting info and a plan of action will help. They will also have experience of negotiating this scenario too. Good luck and hope all goes well.

Shelter
england.shelter.org.uk/get_help

Citizen Advice bureau
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/