We wish to break our lease, the landlord has now increased the rent and will only allow couples. Unreasonable?

[shaddoc98]

Hello, this inquiry is about UK property law.

My situation is this: My partner and I wish to break our lease 10 months into our 15 month contract. Our reason is financial difficulty.

We are already reimbursing the landlord all costs he incurred by the realestate for the FULL term of the contract. We also, in good faith, agreed to pay the landlords relisting fee.

Since re-listing the property 2 weeks ago there has had a lot of interest. I discovered about a week ago the real estate/landlord has relisted it for GBP150 more per month.
I discovered today that we have had people apply but the landlord has refused them stating he will only take 'a couple.'


I am concerned that the landlord is making it unreasonably difficult for us to leave. Can I do anything?

Sincere regards,

[zackary42]

As long as you give the specified amount of notice that you want to move out, that's all the landlord needs.

[seme22]

As long as you give the specified amount of notice that you want to move out, that's all the landlord needs.

Not unless the lease makes reference to 'consent not being unreasonably withheld' - and there is virtually no chance that it will include that wording, given it was a fixed term contract.

I suspect your landlord doesn't want the hassle of a new tenant for just five months, and sadly financial hardship isn't a valid reason for breaking your lease.