Trying to Escape an Abusive Relationship that's broken down - Landlord says I could be in breach of contract? England
As the title states, I signed a joint tenancy with my then partner in January 2023 for a six month period which is now on a monthly rolling tenancy. I caught my partner at the start of the month cheating and when I confronted her she became hostile and progressively more abusive, I gave notice to our current Landlord of my intention to leave by the end of September because it is no longer safe for me to remain here - I am having to audio record anytime we speak so I can peotect myself and I have stated as such to him.
However, he is saying that unless my now ex partner contacts him to advise what she intends on doing, that my leaving would constitute a breach of contract, I've looked at the tenancy agreement and the only break clauses mentioned are as follows:
2.5.1 This agreement creates a single tenancy that starts with a fixed element and then becomes periodic. This would normally guarantee both parties the rights and obligations for the fixed term and a minimum of one period. The following two clauses allow either party to terminate the agreement earlier than that date, but not before the end of the fixed term (the date quoted in 1.6.1 as "to and including (date)").
2.5.2 The Landlord may bring the tenancy to and end at, or at any time after, the expiry of the fixed term by giving to the Tenant at least two months' written notice stating the Landlord requires possession of the Property. A notice under section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 will suffice to implement this sub-clause.
2.5.3 The Tenant may bring the tenancy to an end at, or at any time after, the expiry of the fixed term by giving to the Landlord at least one month's written notice stating the Tenant wishes to vacate the Property.
My questions are basically:
- Can I not give notice as an individual for me to leave? Am I reliant on my ex partner engaging with the Landlord just to escape?
- Surely a fear of my safety is sufficient reason for me to vacate as quickly as possible?
- What are the implications for me leaving?
My ex hasn't worked in 17 years, 10 of which were our relationship and, is reliant on me and Universal Credit to pay for rent/bills, she is being openly hostile to me whenever we speak and is unlikely to engage with the Landlord as she may be unable to afford the property on her own. I have money set aside and a move in date for a new property set up for the 30th of September.
Surely being a victim of 10 years of domestic abuse and trying to escape it affords me some sort of protection?
Posted Sep 13, 2025, 10:45 PM UTC