Outstanding Rent

Tenancy Deposits

The rent due date was 25th November and was not paid.

I have been unable to contact the tenant for 2 weeks and discovered yesterday that they have, in fact, moved out but am still unable to confirm this with the tenant. Looking through the windows you can see she has left.

I have asked my Agent to forward me the outstanding rent from the deposit but they have refused stating the following “The tenant’s contract does not expire until the 21st December – therefore the money cannot be passed to you until this date. Also, we have to bear in mind that a new tenant may move in before this date which means the tenant will not be liable for a whole months rent”.

Couple of questions:-

Is the agent right to refuse to pay me the outstanding rent from the deposit?

Have I the legal right to enter the property before 21st December without the tenant’s authority?

Can I re-rent the property before 21st December?