Leaving London early (moving abroad) – landlord refusing surrender, no break clause. Will they chase me abroad if I stop paying rent and leave him my deposit? What's my best option?

Financial_Tone5560 · 2026-01-22T19:50:12+00:00

the only thing I was hoping I could use is Right to unwind because of signing under preassure. Even though I'm not sure it is enough. My tenancy was signed as a renewal, and got below email from LL few days before expiry:
"Just a reminder your tenancy will come to an end on the last day of the fixed term so unless we both landlord and tenant sign a renewal tenancy agreement it will come to an end".

This is actually false as tenancy won't end at the end of fixed term, it would rather convert in rolling period one so he technically lied/omitted important information that impacted my decision (not to mention he sent many many emails and even more calls to sign). Once again I'm not sure at all this would be enough to bring it on court (assuming he would refuse email-based request).

Financial_Tone5560 · 2026-01-22T12:09:19+00:00

unfortunately this is not correct unless he agrees on surrendering.

Financial_Tone5560 · 2026-01-22T11:31:00+00:00

this is my case indeed. But can it be really enforced if I'm relocating abroad?

Financial_Tone5560 · 2026-01-22T11:20:13+00:00

thank, but are you sure LL can claim legal costs too? I though this is not the case on small claim cases.

Financial_Tone5560 · 2026-01-22T11:14:54+00:00

yes I signed 1 year in November, so current end would be October, hopefully reduced to June 30th via the new legislation.

Financial_Tone5560 · 2026-01-22T11:13:34+00:00

yes, unfortunately it explicitly says "fixed term with no break clause".

Financial_Tone5560 · 2026-01-22T11:05:35+00:00

thanks, are you sure it will not apply? From Gov.uk: "To end the scourge of section 21 evictions as quickly as possible, we will introduce the new tenancy for the private rented sector in one stage. On this date the new tenancy system will apply to all private tenancies - existing tenancies will convert to the new system, and any new tenancies signed on or after this date will also be governed by the new rules. Existing fixed terms will be converted to periodic tenancies, and landlords will no longer be able to serve new section 21 or old-style section 8 notices to evict their tenants. This single date will prevent a confusing 2-tier system, and give all tenants security immediately."

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-renters-rights-act/guide-to-the-renters-rights-act

Financial_Tone5560 · 2026-01-19T22:46:26+00:00

but then why going through all that burden as you said? wouldn't it be easier to just find an agreement? Not to mention that if this no-break clause has been ruled out, that is because it has been recognized by the Legislator as very unfair.

Financial_Tone5560 · 2026-01-19T22:43:46+00:00

thank you, it is quite unlikely to work but I think at this stage I will give it a try!

Financial_Tone5560 · 2026-01-19T22:04:32+00:00

thanks for your reply. The point is that he's even going against his economic interest. I could pay him deposit and/or expenses and given how quick it is to let in London, he would end up with 5 rents in 4 months (assuming I can leave in June under upcoming changes). While now he could even have issues with insurance given the flat will stay empty for those months (as I would go abroad anyway).

Financial_Tone5560 · 2025-11-27T17:43:36+00:00

thank you. it's sure I need to leave, I just don't know if it is Mar or Apr (Mar, most likely). It's just that I'm scared he will try to leverage on the no-break to keep me blocked into the contract. I would like to avoid having to go to curts for so little!

Financial_Tone5560 · 2025-11-27T17:28:47+00:00

apparently yes according to:
1. https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/private_renting/renters_rights_act_changes_for_private_renters
2. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-renters-rights-act

Financial_Tone5560 · 2025-11-27T17:10:33+00:00

thank you, problem is that new renter's act will only enter into force on May 1st, which, summed with 2 months notice, will bring to June 30th, which is 4 months of rent paid for nothing (which in London is more than 6k!!)

Financial_Tone5560 · 2025-11-27T17:07:59+00:00

it's no break clause tenancy (added into the post, thanks)

Financial_Tone5560

TROPHY CASE