Tenancy agreements

[marx21]

I recently split from my girlfriend who reacted by smashing the windows of the house that I was renting. I am now in hiding after having PAID FOR THE FULL TERM OF MY TENANCY AGREEMENT AND FOR THE REPLACEMENT WINDOWS. My landlord has refused to accept the keys back and insists that I am liable for any further damage to the property until the end of the agreement (end of JAN 11). How do I end this?

[P.Pilcher]

Re: Tenancy agreements

Well, to ensure that no further damage is done, you have to get rid of your ex-girl friend. If she was not on the tenancy agreement, then she stayed in the property as a guest and you are entitled to change the locks to keep her out. You can then hand or post the new keys with the old locks and keys to your landlord with a letter informing him that you are surrendering your tenancy. He is obliged to accept this as you have paid to the end of the fixed term of your tenancy period. You are still liable of course for any further damage caused by your ex until she has been removed by this means.
If however your ex is a joint tenant she is in a much stronger position to remain. You cannot change the locks and will need to discuss with your ex-landlord the legal way of getting rid of her which could well be expensive and time consuming.
If the latter is the case, post back for further advice and if you decide to consult a solicitor make sure you find one who is experienced in landlord/tenant law - not all are and through my contacts I hear of many a cockup made by general solicitors trying to handle such maters in the county courts which cost their clients plenty.
Have a look at: www.landlordzone.co.uk/forums where a number of experts in such matters post freely to help landlords, tenants and property letting agents. You will also find there the names, adverts and contact details of appropriately knowledgeable solicitors and other property professionals in such matters.

P.P.
(the same one who posts there sometimes.)

[marx21]

Re: Tenancy agreements

The landlord's business partner has now accepted the keys so hopefully this should be the end of the matter. Thanks for the reply and the link - much appreciated!