Hi everyone,
I’m in a dispute with my landlord/agent in London and need some perspective on where I stand legally.
The Situation:
• Contract: 18-month fixed-term AST (5 months remaining).
• Feb 5: Landlord gave written consent via email to surrender early, provided I pay pro-rata re-letting costs.
• Feb 27: Agent asked for my final move-out date. I confirmed March 25.
• March 10: Agent issued a formal Financial Breakdown for a total of £175.66 (covering re-letting fees/pro-rata costs). No mention of rent liability beyond March 25.
• The Twist: Based on this, I committed to a mortgage, hired movers, and transferred my kids' schools.
• March 16 (9 days before move): Agent calls to say Landlord "withdrew consent" because they found a new tenant for May, and now demands I pay April rent.
My Argument:
I believe Promissory Estoppel applies here. The Agent’s formal breakdown on March 10 was a clear representation that the surrender was finalized for March 25. I relied on this to my detriment (incurring significant costs).
The Question:
Can a landlord legally retract consent after a final financial settlement has been issued and acted upon, even if a formal Deed of Surrender wasn't signed yet?
Does the Agent's "Administrative Error" (issuing the breakdown while the LL was supposedly hesitant) fall on me or them?
Any advice or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated!