A tenant cannot end a fixed term lease early without being held responsible for costs related to reletting the property, unless the landlord/agent agrees not to claim these costs. If this is the case, make sure any agreement not to claim costs is in writing.

If a tenant moves out of the property before the end of a fixed term agreement, they are breaking the lease and a landlord can claim costs for:

• loss of rent until the property is relet

• advertising

• reletting – fee charged to the landlord by an agent

These costs can be claimed even if the tenant leaves after a breach notice (238.7 KB PDF) for rent arrears is served.

For more information on what your responsibilities are in a lease break situation click here.