Every year ASK gets a lot of questions from students who want to leave their private accommodation contract early or even before they've moved in. This can be for many reasons including relationship difficulties/breakdowns, financial issues, the location of the property, and disrepair/problems with the house.
In some cases, students have signed up to another contract already and want to leave the original one.
Can I get out of my contract?
The landlord is legally allowed to keep you in the contract.
On very rare occasions a tenancy agreement may have a clause allowing you to serve notice to leave early, but if yours doesn't have one you can normally only be released or have the terms of the tenancy changed if the landlord agrees to it. This is still the case, even if you never moved in.
We advise students to talk to their landlord about why they want to leave and see if the landlord is willing to negotiate. Most landlords will only agree to end the tenancy early if there is a replacement tenant to take over from you - you can try advertising to students on our new Find a Housemate platform, which is intended to help students who are wanting to leave their contract connect with those who are househunting. You can also look on social media groups for Keele students, Keele Studentpad message board, and Spareroom. Landlords can also look for a new tenant, but you would be responsible for any advertising costs they incur.
IMPORTANT: From 1 May 2026, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 will make significant changes to housing law that will affect tenancies entering into for the 2026/27 academic year and may enable you to get out of your contract early. This will depend on what type of accommodation you're renting. Visit our Renters' Rights Act page for information about how the Act will affect the different types of tenancies.
Can I negotiate with the landlord?
If your landlord or agent hasn’t followed their legal obligations, you could try offering to overlook problems in exchange for an early release from the agreement.
For example:
It is important to remember that you are liable for rent even if your landlord breaches their legal obligations. You would still need to reach an agreement to end the tenancy.
What happens if I just leave and don't pay rent?
Landlords are legally able to charge you rent throughout the whole tenancy term, even if you're no longer living there. They could take you to court for the unpaid rent and any additional costs.
If you reach an agreement with your landlord, always get it in writing.