1 month left on lease, my evil landlord is driving me nuts

[aa0a0a0a0]

I have previously contacted my landlord and told her that I wanted to leave 1 month before my lease ends. I have even agreed to leave 1 week before the end of the month when I have already paid for the entire month's rent. She said that's fine. My landlords in the past were pretty cool about this, as long as I tell them beforehand. I mean I pay my rent on time and never caused any trouble.

I considered that as a verbal agreement, which I have soon to discover was an extremely stupid idea.

After she has given me the ok, I had gone ahead and signed a new contract with my new place, paid the deposit to my movers, setup the internet and utilities and everything for the new place, ready to get out of here next week, like we have both agreed to verbally (stupid stupid stupid).

Today my landlord called me and told me since my lease doesn't end for another month, I will need to pay for rent until then. She said the previous conversation was merely a conversation and did not serve as a verbal agreement.

She said in order for me to leave 1 month before my lease ends, I'll have to pay an extra half month rent plus utilities, and I'll have to hand over the keys 1 week before the end of the month even when I have paid for the entire month's rent. Only then will she give me the rest of my deposit back.

Initially I told her, if you're backing out and won't let me leave, then I will just stay for I don't know how long, and keep in mind that "I cannot afford paying rent for both places, and I will not have time to keep both places tidy and neat and well maintained". She told me, "Don't think about messing up the place and skipping rent, I know people".

I am... ABSOLUTE furious. The thing is we really do have a lease agreement. I will never take another verbal agreement ever again.

I'm cornered. I have to pay up, and leave angrily.


What should I do with this house now, if you know what I mean?

[PDLM]

You messed up. Pay up, move on. Trashing the place isn't going to achieve anything and could get you in trouble. Go and take it out on a punchbag at a gym if you need to.

[fth]

Best bet would be to pay upfront, and ask her to accelerate the return of the deposit in return for getting the keys back early. OK you loose a months rent, but at least you might improve your cash flow.

Always agree in writing unless you have a very nice landlord/landlady. I have always asked to meet the landlord after a bad incident in London with a "middle eastern investor" and a hopeless managing agent.

[ideabubbles]

You messed up. Pay up, move on. Trashing the place isn't going to achieve anything and could get you in trouble. Go and take it out on a punchbag at a gym if you need to.

I don't see how he messed up, some of us naively trust what people say.

[Load Toad]

..which is never sensible where HK landlords are concerned. Ever.

[biubiubiu]

..which is never sensible where HK landlords are concerned. Ever.

Is it just HK? Or landlords everywhere in general? Just curious.

[Load Toad]

HK landlords are notorious vermin and have to be treated accordingly.

[Star Gazer]

HK landlords are notorious vermin and have to be treated accordingly.

pest control?

[Load Toad]

Oh I got red blobbed: 'Not all of us are like that' - Aye - but not brave enough t' give y' alias eh?

[fth]

Try the London variety, especially if you find them through Foxtons. If you thought bankers were bad here, try estate agents in London.