One party only wishes to end agreement

Tenancy Types and Management

I signed a Mr and Mrs P on a Joint AST for 6 months starting June 2009. Within 3 weeks they had split and they are going through a messy divorce. Mr P has some funds and is withholding cash from Mrs P till divorce is final.

Rent is now mostly paid for by local council (Mrs P stayed in house) and she is struggling to keep up rent payments but just about managing. There are no arrears.

I have had a letter from Mr P stating that he no longer wishes to be on the agreement.

1. Can he do this ?

2. Do I have to re sign another AST in Mrs P's name only.

3. What notice does he have to give ?

4. Can I include a standard clause in future AST's specifiying anotice period outside the orginal 6 month term ?

5. If so what notice period is comcidered reasonable ?

Please advise.

Regards,

Richard