Asking for a decrease in Rent

102091101

Hi guys,

Has anybody tried and succeeded with this?

I'm currently paying a reasonable amount of rent for a property and I want to squeeze a reduction. My main argument will be that although the flat is in a good area , that there is a certain unease about the area and I don't think I should pay as much until the issues are sorted.

-> flats in the same building got robbed
-> Anti-social kids in Flat - in the middle of eviction but still make noise at horribly late hours , music , pot smoking etc.

Opinions?

Jerry

betmunch

Arnt they reasons to move out, rather than reasons to get the rent reduced?

I'd wait until your tenancy is due for renewal and then ask for a reduction in the rent to stay another 6 months and see what your landlord comes back with

G_M

Are you in the fixed term of a tenancy, or is it periodic?

What do other similar flats rent out for? More? Same? Less?

The issues you describe are a) outside the landlord's control and/or b) being addressed/resolved

If you are worried about security, rather than ask for a reduction in rent, ask the LL to add an additional decent lock to the door and review other flat security (windows etc).

tbs624

Jerry - you knew the rent fig when you signed up and your terms are fixed for your tenancy term. What research did you do on the area *before* you signed up?

You say "I don't think I should pay as much until the issues are sorted" but the LL has no control over burglaries of other flats and/or anti social behaviour of other LL's Ts.

If you are unhappy with the neighbours, the area and the rent then your best option is to look for somewhere else at the earliest opportunity. Your LL may agree to you leaving before your FT expiry date, if you offer to pay his reasonable costs for finding a replacement T.

Alternatively, as the poster above has suggested try to negotiate when your tenancy comes up for renewal but gather evidence that other similar properties locally are sticking unoccupied or renting out for a lower figure than you are paying.

102091101

I just need to give a months notice to move out. Just chancing my arm to get a reduction - G_M - it's correct to say the issues are being dealt with. The rent is reasonable, within market rates, i believe.

I'd like to know if anyone has success negotiating a reduction in the past where the property is actually in a fair place in terms of price?

BitterAndTwisted

If I were your landlord and you asked for a rent-reduction when we both know that the rent is a fair one I'd tell you to naff off. However, the possibility of a void-period between tenants might concentrate your landlord's mind somewhat, especially if it's well-known in the neighbourhood about the problems you've had. It's all a gamble.

102091101

Is there any harm in trying?

If I ask and dont get, is not like they'll kick me out right?

BitterAndTwisted

It could motivate your landlord to issue you with a Section 21 Notice. That's the harm in trying, especially if you're not tactful about it.

102091101

There taking long enough to evict the troublemakers! I'm sure if If it does come to that , 2 months will be fine to find an alternative place - i didnt realise they could evict without just cause, so tact will be needed so I understand why you've labeled it as a gamble.

G_M

A good landlord/tenant relationship is an important element of a tenancy. You want a landlord who'll keep you as long as you want to stay. A LL who'll fix repairs quickly and efficiently. Who'll be sympathetic if you lose your job and are temporarily short of funds. etc etc.

He wants a tenant who'll pay regularly. Who'll respect and look after the property etc etc.

Asking for a rent reduction when you both know the rent is fair is likely to change the relationship.

However, you might be successful, and that might be more important to you than the risks and the relationship. Only you can decide.

Hammyman

102091101 wrote: »

Is there any harm in trying?

If I ask and dont get, is not like they'll kick me out right?

Not until the end of the tenancy agreement. After then, all bets are off. I'll just make the point that there are more people looking for property to rent than there are rentals available.

As a landlord, I've got good tenants. I compensate them for that by not increasing the rent. I MAY consider a temporary lowering if they're in difficulty or a defferal because they're damned good and worth keeping.