Early Release from Tenancy

Other

A friend of mine wants to leave her flat and has given 2 months notice which takes her to the end of her tenancy agreement but she has asked if she could leave asap. The letting agency has told her that she can pay £200 and then if a new tenant is found early then she could leave early, ie as soon as new tenant moves in. Otherwise, she would still be liable for the full rent, along with the £200 early release fee.

I understand this but the reason she wants to leave is that the flat is extremely cold and the windows frames are rotting and it was verbally agreed that when she moved into the property originally (almost 2 years ago) the windows were to be replaced with new uPVC double glazed units. This work has never been carried out and the windows are very draughty. There is also a problem with the hot water which means that some days the water is very hot and the boiler fuse trips, resulting in an electrician sorting the problem temporarily, and other days the water does not heat at all. This problem has been going on for the 2 years. The solution I am told is to use the immersion heater (more expense on my part).

I do not feel that my friend has been treated fairly by the landlord or letting agent and indeed if it were a tenant of mine, I would have and indeed do treat them much better. I have carried out all necessary works for my tenants and I want to check if my friend is being treated fairly by her landlord/agent.

I look forward to hearing any advice. Thanks