Self employed-notice/contract?

[Nel2790]

Hi,

Ok... I need some advice as I can't find much online.
I'm self employed and rent a room in a salon.

I have just handed my notice to the proprietor giving her 1 weeks notice.

Her response stated that I am welcome to leave on the date I wish but i am committed to 4 weeks notice so I therfore need pay the rent to her for 4 weeks even if I leave on the date I wish to.

A contract was presented to me a while ago which I have Not signed.

Any advice would be great. Xx thankyou

 

[Hairyclairey]

No signed contract? I can't see how she can't enforce it!

 

[Hairyclairey]

Can enforce lol.

 

[Trinity]

If there is no contract in place then there is only a verbal agreement, no-one can prove a verbal agreement either way so you're both in a sticky position. Personally I'd expect the amount of notice to be how regularly you pay your rent. Weekly rental, a weeks notice, monthy rental then 4 weeks notice, but that's just my opinion.

 

[AcidPerm]

It would be up to her to prove that you had originally agreed to give her 4 weeks notice so I'd be inclined to leave when you stated you would be leaving.

She should have ensured that you signed the contract if she wanted you to be bound by it.

 

[Hairyclairey]

I understand she hasn't much time to look for a replacement so it's going to be a pain for her however you haven't a signed agreement so really you can leave when you want x

 

[BannerPenguin]

Just because you haven't signed the contract doesn't mean you aren't bound by it believe it or not. Will she fight it or take you to court? I highly doubt it. But by continuing to pay rent that's essentially an agreement to the contract.

 

[amanda63]

How did she give you the contract? If she sent it by e:mail (time and date stamped) or signed for post she can prove that you had the contract whether you signed it or not. Do you have a set of keys to let yourself in and out? If you do, I understand from a friend who dealt with contract law, that that in itself can act as a contract. Agree with Banner Penguin. And just so you know, there is the on line small claims court based in Northampton that for around £25 she can take you to the small claims court to get her money from you for the weeks you don't want to pay and if they find for her it might affect your credit rating.

 

[EllenHyuga]

Or she can take you onto Judge Rinder! I've watched loads of him and think if she did that, you may lose. I'd work the 4 weeks if you pay 4 weekly/monthly. Just because you didn't sign it, doesn't mean she never sent it or you never read it.
You can always phone CAB though - they may be more clued up xx

 

[asteropi]

Girls the post is 8 months old. I'm sure it's resolved now. Would be nice to know what happened though.

 

[EllenHyuga]

Ha! Didn't even look at the date! It just popped up at the top so assumed it was a new one! X