Haggling over rent

terrence45

need_an_answer wrote: »

There are plenty of LL's that will accept students so I don't perceive that to be a problem.Where you may encounter the problem is haggling over the rent payable unless you are prepared to leave it extremely late to source your accommodation.


It could work in your favour as with most student accommodation if the uptake hasn't happened by the 2nd week of September then the property is likely to remain empty for that calendar year.
It could also go against you in as much as if the area is popular with students then by the time you come to move in its only either the very expensive or poorly maintained stuff still available.


Can we ask what town or area you are looking at?

Yep, Southampton.

My course doesn't start until the end of Sept and I won't be there until then because I'm living and working in another city until the last moment. I'm also not in a huge rush as have a friend in Winchester I can stay with while I search for a place, and commute.

So perhaps I could get a deal on the dregs!!!! :rotfl:

AdrianC

terrence45 wrote: »

Good points, but I have to live somewhere.

Sure, but that's not the landlord's problem.

Guarantor etc would be negotiated with the estate agent rather than the LL direct

I don't think you understand how it works.

Your contract is between you and the LL. The LL also has a contract with an agent, who does things on the LL's behalf.
The LL makes the decisions.

£25 isn't make or break - money is no problem whatsoever!

And the LL knows this? All he knows is that you have a proven record of not paying what you owe, hence the poor credit rating. And that you're trying to chisel a little bit off the rent. Why should he take you rather than a different potential tenant? If it's you or nobody, then he needs to consider whether to take you now or wait for a less risky potential tenant.

I was merely pondering the issue, since this is a money-saving site.

There's a difference between money-saving and penny-pinching, especially when you're on the back foot to start with.

terrence45

AdrianC please try not to get too excitable. I know with a bad credit rating I'm essentially the devil amongst you angels, but no need to label me a 'penny pincher' for trying to get a deal. I negotiated £65 off my current room (direct with landlord) and why shouldn't I?

And I know exactly how estate agency works, from experience - they do whatever they can do get a deal and convince a LL I'd be a good tenant, while convincing me the property is everything I could ever dream for!

danlewi2

why ask for the advice if you know how the world works then?

terrence45

danlewi2 wrote: »

why ask for the advice if you know how the world works then?

I don't know how the world works.

bradders80

Terrence45, ignore the smart!!!!!s. There's always one and they don't realise quite how judgemental and condescending their posts are when they write them.

Yes, it will be harder to rent if you are a student and/or if you have a bad credit rating. I should know. However just a couple of years ago I co-rented a house (joint contract) with a mature student, whilst I was self-employed, and we just had to pay 6 months upfront. Decent area of a big city too, and it was August.

So it's more difficult than if you're squeaky clean, but not impossible. Otherwise every single bankrupt / insolvent person would be homeless.....

Every tenancy is a risk.. every landlord's financial situation is different.. every personality too. Maybe you'll get lucky and find one who wants you.

need_an_answer

terrence45 wrote: »

Yep, Southampton.

My course doesn't start until the end of Sept and I won't be there until then because I'm living and working in another city until the last moment. I'm also not in a huge rush as have a friend in Winchester I can stay with while I search for a place, and commute.

So perhaps I could get a deal on the dregs!!!! :rotfl:

Have you rented as a student previously?

You need to be aware that not all student tenancies are the same or even for the same length of time...some can be 32 week and some as long as a 50 week contract....make sure you sign up to the type of tenancy that suits you or it can work out expensive...most tenancies will start from the beginning of sept.
43 weeks or thereabouts is usually a good contract to go for ...that takes you through to june so well after exams.

Are you looking at shared accommodation in houses or purpose built Pods...or are you looking to a 1 bed self contained flat where you are the only occupant?

That will have a major impact on whats available in your budget.

Personally I would be looking to suggest you secure your accommodation sooner rather than later for fear of ending up sofa surfing for the academic year in your friends front room.

...and that's not just advice from me as a LL..albeit not of students but as parent of uni offspring about to start their 4th year.

terrence45

need_an_answer wrote: »

Have you rented as a student previously?

You need to be aware that not all student tenancies are the same or even for the same length of time...some can be 32 week and some as long as a 50 week contract....make sure you sign up to the type of tenancy that suits you or it can work out expensive.

Are you looking at shared accommodation in houses or purpose built Pods...or are you looking to a 1 bed self contained flat where you are the only occupant?

That will have a major impact on whats available in your budget.

Personally I would be looking to suggest you secure your accommodation sooner rather than later for fear of ending up sofa surfing for the academic year in your friends front room.

...and that's not just advice from me as a LL..albeit not of students but as parent of uni offspring about to start their 4th year.

Thanks for your afvice. I've not rented as a student for 10 years, and that was all handled by my parents. In this case it would be great if it could be the same, except I'll be paying the rent!

I'd love to live in a pod.... However I'm looking for a small studio/bedsit. Something self-contained as I need to concentrate and am of an age where sharing isn't ideal.

6 months to start with and then I plan to carry on living there (so not student accommodation so to speak - I could get that through the uni, but it's a little expensive and I don't want to live with lots of undergrads!).

AdrianC

terrence45 wrote: »

please try not to get too excitable.

I'm not "getting excitable". I'm trying to make you see the situation from the other side.

The landlord doesn't know you from Adam.
All he knows is that you want to rent his property, but have a poor credit record and you're trying to chip the rent down.

What about that makes him think you'll be a good tenant?

bradders80

Oh, and I forgot to say on top of all that we negotiated £25 off the rent!!!!! Not a lot for a whole house, but shows it can be done!!!