Information correct as of April 2021. You are advised to contact the Students’ Union Advice Service for advice specific to your circumstances before taking any action. If you find any broken links please let us know as links may change without us being notified.
Important:
You will need to keep up to date with your rent until a replacement tenant is found.
Finding A Replacement Tenant
In order to be released from your tenancy early you will normally be required to find a suitable replacement tenant to take over your tenancy and the associated financial obligations i.e. rent; utility costs etc.
A tenancy agreement is a legal contract and in most situations leaving the contract will need to be agreed with the landlord/agent and any joint tenants. Agreement is generally given but it would be advisable to keep everyone informed of your decision. This can be done when you already have a replacement tenant lined up.
You should advertise your room online. Try posting about it in Facebook groups and forums popular with students.
If you are not going to meet with the prospective tenant to show them around the house then make sure you call the landlord/agent and let them know the name of the person going to look round and arrange a suitable time. Follow this up with a confirmation email giving the name of the prospective replacement tenant and the room they have gone to see including date, time etc.
You may wish to accompany them to the letting agent's office if they choose to take the room. This way you can get the confirmation about the termination of the contract.
Once You've Found A Tenant
Make sure you get written confirmation from the landlord/agent to confirm that you are no longer responsible for monies owed as part of the tenancy agreement and that the tenancy has been reassigned to the replacement tenant and the date this will take effect: either on signing or moving in.
Make sure any agreements you make are in writing at every stage of this process. Also keep your landlord/agent up to date with what is happening.
Getting Your Deposit Back
If possible take photos of your room and the communal area before you leave so that you have evidence of the condition of the accommodation as you move out. This will help if there are any disputes at the end of the tenancy.
Ensure that you have paid all outstanding rent owed to your landlord and keep a copy of the receipt.
Check the inventory along with the initial one you made when you moved in to compare any defects.
Encourage the landlord/agent to come and check the house and the inventory before you leave. Ask them to sign and date to confirm your inventory is correct.
If the landlord/agent does not accompany you to the final visit you may wish to take a photographic record of the property and contents.
Hand in your keys to your landlord/agent. Get a receipt if possible.
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