Landlord problem

[Smokes]

Hi and thank you for taking the time to read this thread.

We moved into a rental apartment in Mallorca on 11th December2008 and agreed a monthly rent with a months deposit paid up front.

We discussed with the landlord that for the first few months we would be paying rent a bit at a time as and when certain pensions from the Uk were paid. We were to receive a standard contract and the landlord agreed that we would be able to stay for 2-3 years.

We never received the contract.

Due to the downturn of Sterling against the Euro, we are receiving a lot less money and this was explained to the landlord, but we still paid what we had when we could. The landlord has been ringing at least twice a week asking whats happening and the same is always explained to him the money is coming bit by bit but we will catch up.

As it stands we have paid Januarys rent and we're awaiting to pay February's at the end of February at the latest.

Tuesday 10th February was the date we paid up for january and the landlord again rang to check the money was paid in. The same day he sent us a letter giving us 7 days to vacate the property.

My intentions are this, we are looking for other accomodation which we think we have found but couldn't move in to until mid March. We have caused no damage to the property at all and so intend to use the deposit paid for February's rent and then pay the difference for March.

Is this reasonable? If we cannot get the property in mid march and continue to pay as we have been (thereby never more than a month behind) can he still insist we leave in 7 days. This appears unreasonable especially as we have a semi disabled 85 year old in the house that we care for.

All bills for water and electric have been paid to the landlord, although we have to take his word for the amounts as he only rings us with the amounts.

I will add that at no time have we been unwilling to pay our rent, and that we will be leaving this accommodation as soon as practicable. We just want to know that we won't be coming back home to changed locks or people turning up at the door frightening the family.

I also need to know what to write to the landlord in response to his notice to vacate.

Thank you for reading.