HELP! In a tenancy contract and need to get out!

[nmp]

Hi there

 

I really need some advice. I am a single parent in a 2 bedroom property with 2 children under the age of 5.

 

When I originally signed up to my tenancy agreement it was for 3 years with no break clause (yes stupid I know)

 

Since moving in I have had problem after problem with damp and condensation. It has wrecked all my clothes and now my children are affected. The agent who is responsible of the property have failed to resolve the problem and I have email correspondence and photographs of the problems.

 

I have asked them to cancel the agreement early and they are telling me that I would have to pay until the end of the agreement (feb).

 

their exact words

 

"Unfortunately in regards to ending the tenancy early you would be liable for

10% of the rent +vat from the date of early termination to the end of the

fixed period and the monthly rent would need to be paid until either new

tenants move in, landlord takes possession or the end of the current term

whichever comes sooner."

 

The contract expires in February next year and I really need to get of there at the soonest opportunity.

 

The problem is - they have a £2000 deposit of mine and my mum is the guarantor.

 

I am in a real state with this and really need some advice.

 

I am sorry if my post isn't as articulate any many on here. I am really pleading for help!

 

Many thanks

[honeybee13]

Hello there.

 

I think your post is fine, don't worry. We don't judge people on their grammar and spelling anyway.

 

Have you taken advice from people like Shelter who are very good, or your local council's housing officer?

 

HB

[citizenB]

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/private_renting

 

 

0808 800 4444

 

Shelter's helpline is open 8am–8pm on weekdays and 8am–5pm on weekends, 365 days a year.

 

 

 

The number above is a free telephone number.

[mariner51]

So you are ~8 months from end of 3 yr fixed term?

When did you first notify LL/LA of problem?

Has EHO or TRO (local Council) done an inspection visit at your request?

What do you think is causing the damp/condensation?

Do you dry laundry indoors, open windows a crack for ventilation and air circulation?

Were affected clothes kept in a wardrobe?

[ericsbrother]

Get onto the council EH or housing dept and get them to inspect the place with the expectation that they serve an improvemt notice on the landlord. You might fond that they will be more than happy to let you quit rather than spend a fortune on repairs.