Anyone know about Rental agreements?

[misshappy07]

My friend is currently letting out her property and the tennants have a six month lease. Due to seperation she is having to now sell the property. She has advised the tennants and is aware that she has to honour their agreement with the sale of the house. The Tennants are now saying they may move out early in July (the lease is until the end of September), are they legally allowed to do so or will they have to continue paying the rent until the end of their agreement?

[Champagne]

I take it they have a written/signed contract as opposed to a verbal one? If so, then this subject should be covered in the contract.

But the way it works is that both parties have to honour the agreement (min. 6 month letting term) unless both parties agree to the tenant moving out early.

If it is mutually agreeable that the tenant can leave early, then they just need to agree a leaving date and the landlord will pay them back any monies owed, i.e. they are then not financially committed to paying the full 6 months.

[misshappy07]

Thank you so much for your quick response. The contract was drawn up by a letting agent I will ask my friend to check her copies. As she is now renting herself she cannot afford to pay both so would rather the tennants stay for the full term, do you know if she disagrees to them moving out early if she has a leg to stand on?

[Champagne]

Well the agreement says the tenant is committed to min. 6 months rental. Neither the tenant nor the landlord can change this at their will unless it is mutually agreed.

So if the tenant wants to move out now, they can, but they will have to pay up for the remainder of the 6 months, plus settle any outstanding bills, and inform the landlord and/or letting agents of their intention to do so.

OR....

...if the landlord can find alternative tenants to move straight in (or wants to move back into the property themselves) then the landlord may agree to let the current tenant leave without paying the full 6 months.

See?

[misshappy07]

Thank you so much for your help and advise. She doesnt really want to upset the tennants too much as she wants them to cooperate with house sale viewings but cant afford for them to move out, have to tread very carefully.
You have been very helpful, have a good weekend.