Cancelling a contract before moving in in September - student house
Hi, I am a student who has signed a contract saying i am moving into a shared student accomodation in September. I am currently trying to drop out of this contract, but the letting agency has told me that ih order to terminate the contract under the new renters rights, i would have to wait until september (moving in) to then hand in 2 months notice, as the contract would then "convert" into a tenancy agreement.
Is this true? Is there no way in which i can terminate my contract to avoid moving in in september and avoid paying rent for any time at all in the property? i have paid a holding deposit and another deposit; would i be getting those back?
the letting agency has offered to remove me from the contract for money, either to swap someone i know in or advertise the spot themselves.