Tenants moving back to their country with only 5 days notice?
Hello Everyone, We received our tenant’s notice letter on 30th June, and they are flying out of the country on 5th July!
Instead of paying the full two months’ notice period rent, they are demanding that we return their deposit, minus just five days’ rent for this month!
We are trying very hard to find a new tenant, and we’ve promised that we will refund any unused rent and return the deposit accordingly if a new tenant moves in within the two-month notice period.
We’ve never had this issue in the past 15 years.
Any suggestions on how to deal with this situation would be greatly appreciated.
Shelly
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Member Since February 2024 - Comments: 67
7:20 PM, 6th July 2026, About 4 weeks ago
Although you are technically in the right, how do you intend to enforce any kind of proceedings against people no longer in the country?
Do yourself a favour, get the house back, keep the bond, and write anything else off to experience.
The way things are just now this course of action will ultimately be you best one.
Member Since January 2022 - Comments: 105
1:40 AM, 7th July 2026, About 4 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Judith Wordsworth at 06/07/2026 – 17:11
Thanks you for the other info, probably best to quote the person asking the question (Oonagh) re: MCOL
I was happy just to answer the question, as the link is easy found online
Member Since February 2022 - Comments: 210
8:04 AM, 7th July 2026, About 4 weeks ago
And as usual OP never returns to follow up
Member Since July 2026 - Comments: 1
7:42 AM, 8th July 2026, About 4 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by DAMIEN RAFFERTY at 10:13
I wouldn’t change the locks if they dont have access /use of the flat whether they have gone or nor how can you charge them rent ? What if they come back during the two months notice period because they’re being held to pay the rent so why not and they can’t get in? You can’t have it both ways easiest solution relet it asap ans take balance of rent from deposit
Member Since October 2020 - Comments: 1282
10:43 AM, 8th July 2026, About 4 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Nicky Bennett at 08/07/2026 – 07:42
Changes the locks at this point could also be an illegal eviction potentially attracting a £40k civil penalty.