Can a Tenant End an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement Early

Can A Tenant End An Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement Early?

Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreements are one of the most common rental agreements in the UK. They typically last for six months or a year, but what if a tenant wants to end the agreement early?

The answer is yes, a tenant can end an Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement early, but there are certain conditions that must be met.

Mutually Agreed Termination

The easiest and most straightforward way to end an AST agreement early is through a mutual agreement between the landlord and the tenant. This can be done as long as both parties are willing to negotiate and come to an agreement on the terms of the early termination.

If the landlord agrees to an early termination, they may ask for the remaining rent to be paid in full, or they may agree to accept a partial payment. The tenant should also be prepared to pay for any damage or wear and tear to the property that has occurred during their tenancy.

Break Clause

Sometimes, AST agreements include a break clause that allows the tenant to end the agreement early. This clause typically sets out the conditions that must be met for the tenant to exercise the break clause, such as giving a certain amount of notice.

If a break clause is included in the AST agreement, the tenant must follow the conditions carefully. Failure to meet the conditions may result in the tenant losing their deposit or even facing legal action.

Early Surrender

If the landlord and tenant cannot come to a mutual agreement or there is no break clause in the AST agreement, the tenant may be able to end the tenancy early through early surrender.

Early surrender involves the tenant negotiating with their landlord to end the agreement early and agreeing to pay a certain amount of compensation. This compensation may cover the remaining rent, any damages, and other losses that the landlord may incur due to the early termination.

It’s important to note that early surrender is not a legal right, and landlords are not obliged to agree to it. However, if the tenant and landlord can come to an agreement, it can be a quick and easy way to end the tenancy early.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it is possible for a tenant to end an AST agreement early, it is important to follow the conditions and terms set out by the landlord and the agreement. It is always best for the tenant to try to come to a mutual agreement with their landlord, or to carefully follow any break clause conditions. If those options are not available, early surrender may be an option, but it is important to negotiate and agree on compensation with the landlord.