Negotiating for new furniture

GoldenGirl25

Hi everyone

Im just about to sign a new contract on a property on Monday my flatmate hasnt seen the flat yet but shes happy to go with whatever I want which makes it really easy as im quite fussy.

Anyhow i googled the apartments to see if I could find pictures of a similar flat for her to see it, I found 2 apartments in the same building same layout and size priced at £620pcm and £625pcm the price we have been offered was £650pcm

I know the apartment is currently empty and the landlord is keen to get someone in asap so he can get some money in.

I really love the flat but the living room/kitchen area will need sorting out. The scale of the furniture is too big for the room and I would like some things changed and replaced. Ive seen an ikea unit and a smaller table and chairs (as we only need a small one between us not a family sized one) all in all it would be around £180. Over a six month period will be paying between £150-180 more in rent which works out the same.

Im not sure how to phrase what I want eg I know I.ll be paying more rent then a like for like apartment but I would be willing to pay the full asking price if he was willing to change the furniture that I want. It would be a win win situation as the landlord will get the full asking price and the furniture will be an investment in the property as it would look so much better to whats there now and for us we get the storage we want without paying for it.

We would need to get new furniture in the regardless if he wont pay for it and we would need to ask for permission in writing from the landlord too in order to change the

Anybody got any advice how to phrase it.

Doozergirl

You'll be very lucky if they buy you new furniture. If you say it will cost the same over six months then why not buy it yourself? You'll have something to show for the extra cash, you just ask for the furniture you don't like to be removed and offer less in rent.

There are nice landlords and then there are nice landlords. I think you'd be asking a bit too much to be specifying furniture items.

sharpe106

I would offer them less money as well then the furniture is yours when you move out plus in 6 months you will still be paying the higher rent so will cost you more in the long run.

GoldenGirl25

Thanks guys you made a really good point. Im really fussy and expect a lot but I see it as having high standards:D

Money talks! so it makes a lot more sense to save that £25 a month over a year then get the new furniture in.

I relocated for my current job so I packed light and didnt really want to buy lots of furnishings as Im not sure its a permanent move yet but I think the unit and table is worth it for the extra space in the flat.

My sis is driving up this weekend so I think an ikea trip is in order then all i need is to find a strong man to build the unit lol

I could always take the table and chairs with me and regarding the unit I could see if anyone in the building wants to buy it or put it on gumtree and get a bit of money back on it as I would leave it behind as it wouldnt be worth the hassle to try and move with it.


I.ll let you know how i get on with getting the rent a bit cheaper

Thanks

Doozergirl

You don't need a man to build the unit. They don't read the instructions and they end up having to do it again!

I must have built half of Ikea's stuff by now, single handedly. Easily managed by girls.

Wickedkitten

Doozergirl wrote: »

You don't need a man to build the unit. They don't read the instructions and they end up having to do it again!

I must have built half of Ikea's stuff by now, single handedly. Easily managed by girls.

Shame I can only thank you once :T

tbs624

It's always worth asking but you do need to bear in mind that the LL may not want to move his/her own furniture out *and* reduce the rent. S/he will either have to store the furniture elsewhere during your tenancy or get rid of it and replace it when you go - either option is likely to have a cost implication to the LL.

The other cheaper similar flats to which you referred - are they both up for let?