I signed a contract for rental on a flat to start in July. The deposit was paid in February, Yesterday we contacted the landlord, he told us that the property was under new management which meant we no longer have the flat. Is there anything we can do?

- We have a copy of the contract signed by both tenant and landlord
- Deposit was not cashed by landlord yet he retains possession of the cheque
- The contract is a 1 year contract

Thank you for your help

Tell them they had better talk to their attorney, you have a signed contract ( assuming you do) and that you will be moving in on a certain date.

If they don't allow you to, then sue for all damages, higher cost of somewhere else to live, costs of searching for a new place and more.

It sounds too good to be true, my main concern is that I'm in England, will contract law be different to the USA?

It is different, but I believe that a written contract by the legal rep is still binding even if they change companies.

The issue here is, it is worth a try, be aggressive, tell them what you expect and what you plan on doing. If they were not going to honor it, they would or should have returned your check.

Get the owner of the property involved, contact them directly, since in the end, it is the owner who is liibel for damages of the actions of his management companies

He said he would return the cheque. It just annoys me because in 4 months he didn't think it was important to inform me that come July I would literally be "homeless", and now I might have to start the house hunting process again with time not on my side.

Thank you Fr_chuck, I'm going to speak to a solicitor tomorrow.

US Contract law is based on British laws. A contract is a contract and binding unless both parties agree to sever it or a situation occurs that allows for its cancellation.

You need to read the contract and see if there is any out clause for the landlord. Take it to a solicitor if you aren't sure.

But if the landlord arbitraily cancelled the contract (and changing management companies is not a vlaid reason), then you have grounds for a suit that should, at least, cover your housing costs until you can find a new place.