I am hoping that somewhere out there, some one can help me.
I am currently 6 months though an 11 month renal contract. Due to circumstances beyond my control I am no longer able to afford the monthly payment and need to downsize to a cheaper place to live.
The contact is not with an agency but with the owner directly. The contract was not drawn up by the owner but purchased over the counter from the local tobacconist. I've paid 1 months rent for a deposit and two months advance rent. I need to be able to end the contract without losing what amounts to over 3000 euros.
I've had the contact looked over by a few Spanish friends and they tell me that there is nothing written in the contact with regards to penalties for termination. All that is stated is that I must give 30 days written notice. I've also been told that the contact has not been completed correctly as only the first and half the second pages have been filled in. I also know that the landlord should only have asked me for 1 months advance rent not two. I've also read that the deposit can't be used to supplement any rent owing and can only be used for replacement of damaged or lost property.
What I need to know is, if I give 30 days written notice where do I stand on getting some of my money back. Am I still entitled to get the deposit back and what about the extra advance rent?
I was hoping that I could stop the direct debit and ask the landlord to use that extra month's payment instead for the final month after giving the written notice.
Any help would by gracefully accepted.