Any way to leave early ?

[bolly3k]

Hello, I'm currently coming to the end of my AST (due to end in Sep). My contract states that I have to give 1 months notice before I can leave. Unfortunately it's been impossible for me to find a landlord/agent willing to wait for 4 - 5 weeks.

I have to give notice on the same day that rent is due (3rd of every month), which means that the earliest I can currently move is the 2nd August (if I give notice on 3rd July). I need to find a property before I give notice, which means that I have to find a property by the 3rd July. No landlord/agent I've spoken to so far is willing to wait for longer than two weeks, even with a holding deposit.

I'm also on HB.

 

Is there any way for me to move ASAP ?

 

TIA

[Kentish Lass]

I think you may misunderstand your contract.

 

An assured shorthold tenancy (AST) is a fixed term contract. You can leave on the last day of the contract without giving notice but most people do give notice - it is polite to do so.

 

Of course you can leave before the final date of the AST - but you will be liable to pay the rent until the last day of the contract (i.e. 2 September) and your LL does not have to return the deposit until after that date and the property has been checked - and it makes sense to be there at check out.

[bolly3k]

Sorry, I forgot to mention that the contract does have a break clause that comes into effect after six months.

[philip13]

What was the clause?