Ending a fixed term tenancy early

[Worriedhusband7]

Does anyone have experience of how ending a fixed term tenancy early has gone? I’m aware of the need to pay rent up until possible new tenants take over as well as reasonable re-letting costs. But wondering on how people have found agents/landlord to react to the request? Will they still give a reference? Also- is it best to get a new property lined up prior to making the request?

Anyone?

I think it depends on the desirability of the property and the landlord. The landlord is entitled to the rent to the end of the term. S/he may "let you off" some of that if they re-market the property but there is no obligation to do so.

I’ve read our contract and it says that if we look to leave early they will charge us rent up until new tenants can be found abs re- letting costs. Hopefully with that stipulated they will put it back on the market and see what happens!

You also usually need to pay bills including council tax until new tenants move is as well.
Depends on what the demand for rental properties is like in your area. In some areas, if the rent is reasonable, properties can be re-let quite quickly.

Yeah hoping it would be quite quick. There were several applicants when we took the property. I feel bad and don’t want to mess the landlord around. Happy to pay up all bills/rent and re letting costs etc until a tenant can be found. Just hope they are not going to refuse to assist us.

We are landlords and would have no problem with this. Our properties always rent out immediately so as soon as another tenant was found we would be happy to release you from the contract

Ah wel that’s positive to hear! Hopefully our landlord will understand. Was hoping if we are up front about it and acknowledge our responsibility they will agree to just relet it.

There is a danger that they don't really have a big incentive to work hard at finding a new tenant, and they can afford to be very selective. They've got you on the hook until your tenancy ends.

Yeah you are right! Feels like we are. Unfortunately we are just finding the property far to big for us. V difficult as I know will be hard to coincide with us getting a new rental if landlord will agree

You won't know til you ask. We've got some great tenants in a four bed house who have been there for about 7 years. We never increase rent while a tenant is in situ. We review the market rate if we have a void and up the rent to market rate at that time for the new tenants. I suspect our tenants will be moving out soon as the house is now too big for them, but would be happy to accommodate them going early if it suited them

As a landlord I'd be ok with this - certainly would not stop me from providing a positive reference. Obviously I don't want to lose money, but I'd market it right away, and assume you would be happy to allow viewings.