Reduction on Rent

Elle7

So, we are looking for somewhere to rent that is closer to where my OH will be working from September onwards.

We had looked at nearby areas and thought around £800 a month would be reasonable, but his work have now advised that he will be based in an office slightly off HQ - and the rent for a 1 bed flat in that area is slightly over a grand. We've looked around for other places, but the cost is pretty much standard up to 35 minutes away from work.

I wondered if it is possible to barter on prices, and if so, how you do it? I never thought it was, but a friend has just said that she pays £200 a month less than it was advertised for. She just said she dropped into conversation that she'd be happy with paying just less, and they accepted.

We would be looking for a 12 month contract, so could we use that to get a reduction?

I'm pretty shy but I'd like to get a deal, so any tips are appreciated!

HappyMJ

Paying the entire 6 months rent upfront might knock a little off. Having the place vacant with little interest in the property helps. Don't look too keen and say it's nice but it's only worth £800 a month and if they say no then just keep on looking.

G_M

Yes of course you can negotiate. Some LLs will be willing to reduce their rent to get the property filled (and rent coming in!) quickly, some won't.

You can but ask!

12 months? Again, some LLs will find this attractive as it gives them a guaranteed rentalincome for a year, but others are wary about commiting to a longer term tenancy with an unknown tenant who they might later regret - so prefer to start with 6 months and 'see how it goes'.

If dealing with agents, they FAR prefer 6 months, as they can then charge 'renewal fees' (off both tenant AND landlord) 6 months later!

IveSeenTheLight

You can ask and potentially can get.
You may find getting just over a grand down to £800 a bit steep though. Of course it depends how strong the rental market is in the area.

I own three properties I lease out and let one of them with a 2.5% reduction on the asking price (actually I had just increased the price 6.25% between tenants so met them part way)

Another I gave a 7.7% discount, but only because they were gauranteed by their company and signed a 2 year lease with a 6 month get out clause.

As they say, you don;t get what you don;t ask for