Can a Landlord Change the Move-in Date?

So, you’ve finally found your perfect new home and can’t wait to move in. Everything’s packed, you’ve arranged for a moving van, and you’re looking forward to the change. But then, out of the blue, your landlord calls and says they need to change the move-in date. You might be wondering, can a landlord do that last in minute in the UK?

Truthfully, these things happen more often than you’d think. And, sadly, they can throw a real wrench in your plans. So, what are your options? In this blog, you’ll learn when and why a landlord might need to change the move-in date. Also, what steps you can take to deal with it smoothly.

Can a move-in date be changed?

Yes, a move-in date can be changed, but there are some specific conditions and legalities under which it needs to happen. Tenancy agreements are legally binding contracts between landlords and tenants, after all. The move-in date is specified in the contract, and any changes to the date typically require the mutual agreement of both the landlord and tenant.

Under UK law, a landlord can’t just change a tenancy agreement or contract after it’s been signed without the tenant’s agreement. If they do this without the knowledge of the tenant or do it and just inform the tenant afterwards, then that’s a breach of contract. The tenant is free to take legal action if they choose.

Also, “Can I change my move-in date?” you may wonder. The answer is yes. Still, the same principle applies. You need to communicate your request to the landlord. Do it as early as possible.

Additionally, if there’s a change of landlord: somebody stepping down and another taking their place, you should receive a notice. The new landlord has to honour the terms of your existing tenancy agreement. That includes the agreed move-in date.

Circumstances where a landlord might want to change the move-in dates

There are several common reasons why landlords might need to change the move-in date. These situations can be frustrating, but they often happen for a good reason and not because the said person just felt like ruining your day. Here are some of the most frequent scenarios:

So you see a landlord changing the move in date is not always up to them, but to unplanned circumstances. Of course, that doesn’t make the issue any less inconvenient.

What can a tenant do in this situation?

As you already know, thanks to laws like the Housing Act 1988, your landlord can’t just change the terms, including the move-in date, without your agreement. Doing so is a breach of contract and you can take legal action if you choose to.

If your landlord keeps changing the move-in date, consider legal action a last resort. Before that, try the following methods:

1. Communicate – Explain your situation and why you need the original move-in date to be honoured. Good communication can often resolve misunderstandings;
2. Negotiate compensation – If your landlord insists on changing the move-in date, try to negotiate compensation
   • Reduced rent – ask for a discount on your rent to compensate for the inconvenience;
   • Temporary accommodation – see if the landlord can provide or pay for temporary housing until the property is ready;
   • Storage – your belongings will need to stay somewhere until you are ready to move them to your new address;

These steps might not lead to the outcome you want. If that happens, seek mediation services or file a complaint with local housing authorities. If that doesn’t do the trick either, then sadly, it’s time to go to court.

With everything said so far, it’s logical for some other very common questions to pop into your head.

Can a landlord cancel a contract after signing it?

No. You’ve signed a tenancy agreement, your landlord can’t just cancel it and that’s that. Both of you need to agree on any changes, and that goes for cancellations. If you decide to make changes, put it in writing. 

Do that either by creating a new document or an addendum to the original agreement. Once a contract is signed, it’s legally binding. There’s no ‘cooling-off period’ in UK law for either party to change their mind before the tenancy starts.

Can my landlord change my contract?

Your landlord can suggest changes to the contract, but you have to agree to them. Any changes should be documented in writing.

Can I back out of the tenancy if the move-in date changes?

Yes, if the move-in date changes significantly and the new date doesn’t work for you, you might have the right to back out of the tenancy agreement, especially if the change was made without your consent. Check your contract just in case and talk to a layer.

Disclaimer: Every piece of information here is meant for informational and educational purposes only. So please, do not use this as a definitive legal advice. Fantastic Services encourages you to seek authority professional counsel before you decide to act upon what you have read. For more information, check our disclaimer.