Pulling out of tenancy agreement

[Noob]

Hi, sorry if this is in the wrong place, but it seems the most logical place to put it - feel free to move it to a better place if needed.

I was supposed to be moving to a new rented property on Thursday of this week. All the checks had been completed, and we are all set to go, although no contracts have been signed. We have received an email today advising that the landlord no longer wishes to go through with the tenancy.

My questions are; Can they legally do this? (baring in mind nothing has been signed). And if they can, is there any way to recoup expenses that have already been paid in readiness of the move (deposits on removals van, etc.)?

Thanks in advance for any help provided.

[PlanB]

Re: Pulling out of tenancy agreement

I was supposed to be moving to a new rented property on Thursday of this week. All the checks had been completed, and we are all set to go, although no contracts have been signed. We have received an email today advising that the landlord no longer wishes to go through with the tenancy.

My questions are; Can they legally do this? (baring in mind nothing has been signed). And if they can, is there any way to recoup expenses that have already been paid in readiness of the move (deposits on removals van, etc.)?

At first glance the answer to your question is *Yes* the Landlord can refuse to go ahead with the deal because no contracts have been signed. If you had been given the keys you could argue that you already have possession of the property (even though you don't yet occupy it) and hopefully force the Landlord to abide by a verbal contract. Have you paid the first month's rent and deposit in advance because this could help you establish your hold over him?

The important thing is where will you live? Will you be homeless as of tomorrow? I assume you are surrendering your current home. If you have nowhere to go then depending on your financial circumstances and whether you have children etc you may be able to get emergency accommodation through your Local Authority since you are not intentionally homeless. This situation was not within your control.

Have you been told why your Landlord has changed his mind? Could there be something up for discussion, perhaps a later start date? Or does all this hinge on eleventh hour referencing problems which can be dealt with or explained away?

I think you need to look at the contract you signed with your agent (was there an agent involved?) because it could be that the agent has broken that and your claim for damages may be against them and not the Landlord.

[Noob]

Re: Pulling out of tenancy agreement

Well, the agents have found a suitable alternative property, so at least we wont be homeless. Thanks for your help, it will certainly help any future agreements we consider.

[PlanB]

Re: Pulling out of tenancy agreement

the agents have found a suitable alternative property, so at least we wont be homeless

Well that is good news Good Luck in your new home.