12 month rental contract, but DH has a chance at moving overseas for work. What can we do?

[Lifhtswitchy]

We have very recently moved into a new rental property in London. The market is absolutely insane, so in a very easy to let place (if this makes a difference). And we have a 12 month contract, no break clause.

DH’s workplace has floated the idea of a transfer abroad. We’d be very excited about that possibility.

But we can NO WAY afford to pay rent on an empty place in London and then rent elsewhere.

What can we do? Or nothing?! Are we able to sublet? Tbh, I’d rather not do that, but I don’t know how willing a landlord would be to let us out of our contract?

He doesn’t have the job yet, but we’re just trying to decide if we can even make it work before he goes for it, iyswim. I’m a little worried about asking the landlord without any certainty, too.

Approach the agent generally they will let you out of contract if you pay for any void time where there no tenant

I would wait until you know if this is an actual issue, i.e. when your DH is offered the job. At that point you have a couple of options:

• his work could offer to cover the rent in London
• you ask the landlord to release you from the tenancy once a new tenant has been found.

There are costs to the landlord with re-marketing and re-letting the flat, so you might want to ask DH's work to cover those.

I wouldn't not go for the opportunity just because of the tenancy agreement. Absolute worst case scenario is DH is offered the transfer but you can't agree terms between yourselves, the landlord and the company and he has to decline it. But no need to jump the gun.

I your tenancy agreement should say if subletting is allowed. They usually specify you can't in the agreement so I doubt that's an option.

Like a pp suggested, speak to the agency/landlord and if it's easy to let as it sounds they might let you out if the clause with a fee or something.

I'd be surprised if sub letting is allowed.

As other people say, you should be able to negotiate a deal. Landlords do not want voids. Of course it may be a special situation where the landlord wants to retake possession at the end of their tenancy, in which case it will be harder. The only way to find out is talk to the agent.

And you should be negotiating to pass the cost on to the new employer as part of the relocation package.

Wait until he has the job. Then approach the agent for a break clause. You could even say you'd pay an extra month. But the agent could insist you pay the whole 12 months.