LL's - if 6 months rent paid in advance, would you reduce the rent?

paddyrg

Perhaps the LL is trying to raise a deposit for another property, or is just stuffed for cashflow, so will consider a deal for very rational reasons.

suestew

I think as the LA has suggested this, ask them to get a figure from the Landlord. If it's meet's with your approval go with it, if not they pay the usual deposit and one month in advance.

As a landlord i would be glad to get 6 months in advance, I may offer a small discout if I had no other interest in the property and would rather it wasn't emply, but it would only be small

Road_Hog

Better_Days wrote: »

Have found a suitable rental. Nothing special, bit tatty, but it will do for 6 months or so, especially as the LL will allow pets. LA indicated when we looked round that the LL would consider a rent reduction if we paid 6 months in advance.

Hi, my advice is as a LL.

The best thing I can suggest is to ask. Say to the LA, "you mentioned a discount for 6 months rent upfront, was this suggested by yourself or the LL?"

If he says LL, then ask what sort of discount would be offered. The LA would probably know what the LL had in mind, but if not, could ring him whilst you were viewing the property - that's the time to have the conversation, when you're at the property.

Whatever you do, do not try and arm twist the LL and offer a silly rent - the discount that you're asking for seems reasonable, you want them to be happy with the deal, because if you have any problems when you're in the property, a LL who was happy with the deal will likely be more attentive to any problems you have.

Others have pointed out the pitfalls and you'll have to balance that up. I suspect the LL would go for it, because empty properties cost money, not just in lost rental buy also bills that still have to be paid, such as gas and electricty connect, line rental etc. Once you're in there, you start paying these bills.

chappers

Its usually asked for as a condition when a tenant might not meet some relevant criteria.
When its offered as an incentive, I , like Mr Pitiful , would be wondering why the LL is so keen to get his hands on more of your cash.
A LL short of cash isn't what you want particularly as it already sounds like there may be maintenance issues

ognum

My sister has a tenant who pays 6 months in advance and has done for the past 4 years she gives her 7% discount.

angelsmomma

I was a single mother not on benifits trying to get a rental. The only way I could get one was with six month up front.

I am now a landlady and would not expect to give any reduction for 6 months up front.

slopemaster

No, I wouldn't offer a discount.
But, all else being equal, someone willing to pay 6 months would be more attractive as a tenant. And you might need that, as you are only looking for a 6 month rental, and you have pets.

Better_Days

Thanks to you all for your responses. You have raised a number of issues that I hadn't considered. The issue of maintenance is especially important. It will be a fully managed property by the LA, but the LL will still have to pay any repair bills.

The property is being let because the LL's Mum has gone into a care home. I suspect there is no mortgage, so hopefully it isn't on the cusp of repossession.

The LA did let slip that a few people had looked at the property but had decided not to proceed 'for a variety of reasons'. The property is dated and a bit tatty, and no fridge or washing machine provided which will put off some. But I don't mind this, as I know it is is for a limited amount of time and it has gas CH, which is very important to me as I need to keep warm due to ill health.

The rental market is buoyant in this area, and properties tend go quickly, plus there is not much coming onto the market atm. Road_Hog has raised a good point, about not trying to twist the LL's arm so that he is reluctant to address any issues that arise. I will sound out the agent tomorrow, softly, softly, and see how it goes. Thanks again all. :cool:

Road_Hog

BTW, how many of you offering advice are: A) Landlords Allow pets?

I qualify on both counts, and I was also having to rent (whilst a LL) before I bought my second home and I had pets.

Finding somewhere that will take pets is a nightmare, even if you have a corporate let guarantee, offer three times the deposit and pay the money up front and claim it back from the blue chip company that you've worked for, I've been there.

Better_Days

Road_Hog wrote: »

Finding somewhere that will take pets is a nightmare, .

You are right, this is a very fine line, will be very careful what I say tomorrow, it is not worth antagonising the LL over this and losing a let where I can have my pets (and DH of course )