Hi there, and firstly hi to everyone. I've been a long time lurker, but this is my first post. So hello!
I decided to rent out my spare room following a split with my partner last year. A lady visited, we got on, so she said she'd take the room and a move in date was agreed. This date had been agreed for two weeks - I'd even arranged to get a van and help her move - despite her living 80 miles away.
Anyway - last night, the day before she was due to move in, she informed me that she'd found somewhere else. I was obviously quite annoyed - as I'd arranged to leave work early, hire a van, not to mention the now shortfall in income and extra hassle of going out on finding another lodger.
What I want to know is, am I within my rights - morally and legally - to take a week's worth of money out of the advance rent payment she's made to me?
It's not on vindictive grounds - as her not moving in has left me in a bit of a short term financial hole, as obviously I was expecting her full rental payment.
Any advice would be gratefully received.
Thanks all! Emm