Get out of rental agreement early?

[BarneyJ]

my mum & dad jointly signed a 12 month FTC (they thought it was 6) - in Feb, unfortunately after being in the hosue only 5 weeks my dad sadly passed away quite suddenly, she cant stay in the house now too upsetting. She has had 3 different viewpoints from LL, one said under the circumstances she would be ok to leave, another said ok, they would need an additiona months rent to cover admin fees and another said - sorry you will have to pay rent until they find new tenants.

 

Surely therre must be some consideration to the events shouldnt there? my mum (72) cant move anywhere as she cant affor 2 rents, but she wont stay in the house?

 

does it make a difference if there was joint signatures?

 

can anybody offer any advice?

 

thankyou

[mariner51]

Barney, it would be best if you started your own thread, the one you posted on is 2.5 yrs old.

Your mum has a several & joint liability tenancy for 12 months. Any consideration to cirumstances is at LLs discretion. Usually early surrender will be allowed if T pays re-advertising costs and liability for property would cease when new Ts move-in. LL does not have to accept less than 12 months contracted rent or find a new T. Try negotiating with LL, rather than seek loopholes. Most LLs are human, but not in the business of running hotels!