Unpaid Rent ?

[Axleuk]

Hi Folks,

I will try and cut a long story short.
I moved into a bungalow with my then girlfriend. There was no need for any deposit and all that was asked for was 3 weeks rent to cover that month and then approx £540 per month thereafter.

In the relationship, i was responsible for paying the rent, paying the bills etc and as a result of this, it caused a strain on the relationship and we parted company, but i was told that i could not get her out of the flat....anyways, i'm getting off course here.

In the 6 months that i was in the bungalow there was 1 month where the Landlord had agreed to waive 1 months rent in order for me to replace a carpet. My car blew up, i needed to use the money ear marked for the carpet to get a replacement, otgherwise i would not have been able to get to work.

The landlord was sympathetic to this and had never hassled me to pay the money back right away. However, i was forced to move out of the bungalow even though i had paid all the bills etc and as a result became bitter and decided not to pay the landlord his money, although it was not his fault that i had to move out, but rather let him chase my ex girlfriend who is currently still living there for it.

Where do i stand in this situation ?

Is the ex girlfriend liable for this ? At the time, it was both of our names on the lease.

I really dont want to have to pay this money back if i can find a way not too.

Sorry if i sound bitter and twisted, but i lost my home.

[Nightmare4banks]

Hi all!

Axleuk,please answer the following questions:

1.Out of the 6 months that you lived at the property,how much rent did you pay(based on a £540 per month rent amount) from you own money?

2.During the same 6 months,how much rent did your ex-girlfriend pay if any?

3.When you moved out did you inform your landlord?

Upon receipt of the answers of these questions,I should be in a better position to assist you further.

[Axleuk]

Thanks for your help.

1. Roughly 2100 pounds
2. Approx 320 pounds
3. Yes i did inform the landlord, both myself and the ex girlfriend went to see him to get the lease changed over to her name solely. When i did see the landlord, i explained not to worr about the rent, as i would TRY and get it for him andnot to hassle my ex for it ( was trying to remain civil ) but he has nothing in writing to confirm this.

Regards,
Paul

[Nightmare4banks]

Hi all!

Paul,mate - in reply to your posting and answers to my questions:

1.You are both liable for the rent for the period of time when the tenancy agreement was drafted in both of your names.

2.Your landlord could persue either of you or both of you for any of the rent owed during the "joint" tenancy period - 6 months as you previously stated.

3.Personally,I would work out how much is owed to the landlord during the "joint tenancy" period and divide this amount by 2 and pay your landlord.

3 - weeks @ £540 per month is around 0.7 x 540 = £378
(based on 21/30 or 7/10 or 0.7)
5 months @ £540 per month = 540 x 5 = £2700

Total - £2700 + £378 = £3078


Subtract the amounts that both you and your ex-girlfriend have already paid your landlord:

2100 + 320 = £2420

3078 - 2420 = £658

This is the approx.amount that you BOTH owe your landlord.

658/2 = £329

This is the amount owed by each one of you.

4.The reason I would do this is so that he does not try to persue you and your ex-girlfriend for the full amount owed,it shows goodwill on your part and your ex-girlfriend will have to pay the remaining amount.Also your landlord seems to a very fair and reasonable person.

I would suggest that you:

offer him 10 x £30 per month = £300

and 1 x £29 per month = £29

5.Buy a receipt book and get your landlord to sign it - so there is no future confusion or disputes.

6.You could persue your ex-girlfriend for half of the rent you have already paid less half the amount she has already paid.You took on the responsibilty to pay the rent as I told you before you but legally you were both liable for paying the rent during the joint tenancy period.

The amount is:

2420/2 = £1210

I hope you find this information useful.

If you have questions,just ask.

Keep us posted.

All the best!

[Axleuk]

Wow !!

Thats a great response and a very sensible approach in my eyes. Thanks for taking the time to repond back. Your information has been invaluable.

Regards,
Paul

[Nightmare4banks]

Hi all!

Paul,mate - yes it is the most sensible approach(although,I admit it myself!) taking into account your circumstances.

If you have any more questions,feel free to ask.

Keep us posted.

All the best!