Renting - 'Making an Offer'

manchesterlady

Hello there,

I am about to rent in London - last time I rented was over 11 years ago up north, so just trying to find out what has changed. I keep hearing people refer to 'making an offer' with regard to rental property. What does this mean? I thought that the stated rent was the rent, and it wasn't up for negotiation. Is this just a London thing? Any advice gratefully received.

bizzybee

I work in the letting business in west London and prospective tenants always make offers, it's what landlords expect.

That said we have also seen a lot of gazumping in recent months and properties have let for more than they were advertised for.

thegirlintheattic

You can negotiate rent, particularly if the property is hard to let or is not in a great condition. Works better with LL rather than agencies and is more common in some areas than others. In some areas it works in the opposite direction, you offer to pay more to get the flat. Be prepared for the LL to tell you to b**ger off though.