Negotiating a tenancy renewal

Smiths90

Hi

I have been approached by my letting agent about renewing my tenancy, but my landlord is asking for an extra £50 p/m which I am not happy to pay! How do I go about negotiating a lower increase if any at all and is it normal practice to negotiate? Thanks

G_M

Yes negotiate!

Check the rentals being asked for similar properties in the area so you can compare. Could the LL easily find a new tenant to pay the higher rent? Could youeasily find somewhere else at the same (or lower) rent?

Read:

Ending/Renewing an AST (what happens when the Fixed Term ends?)(What is a Periodic Tenancy?)(How can a LL remove a tenant?)(How can a tenant end a tenancy?)

And also:

Rent increases (how and when can rent be changed)

princeofpounds

Yes it's entirely a matter of negotiation!

Normally you would point out your reliable record of payment, perhaps highlight similar properties locally that don't cost as much, ask for what you want and see if there is a deal to be had. It's not an essay competition or anything.

You do not need to sign up for a renewal, if your current statutory periodic tenancy is good enough (LL must give you two period's notice, you must give one). LL can then seek to terminate, accept situation, or use a S13 notice to impose an increase unless you terminate first.

Most LLs will be somewhat open to pushback if the rent is not far off market rate as a new tenant would be a risk and may involve a void period.