Will Rents That Go Down During Lockdown Then Go Right Up?

wouk

I've been told that due to a drop in demand for the rental market during lockdown that many properties are now available for a very reduced rent. When the lockdown is over and things start to get back to normal, is there a danger that the cheap rent you are now paying will suddenly go up and be even higher than before - can a landlord do this?!
Thanks,
Wouk

MoneyMoney

If your are getting a new rental there will be an agreement with terms when you sign for it. This will include if any reductions are lower prices or temporary reductions. Ask them and get it in writing. 

[Deleted User]

This topic belongs on the Debate House Prices and Economy board

wouk

Lover_of_Lycra said:

This topic belongs on the Debate House Prices and Economy board

I went there and there's a note from ML saying that board is now closed due to Coronavirus high volume of posts! Wouk

wouk

MoneyMoney said:

If your are getting a new rental there will be an agreement with terms when you sign for it. This will include if any reductions are lower prices or temporary reductions. Ask them and get it in writing. 

So if a rent has been reduced, it has to be declared by law? Especially if it may go back to usual price later?  I'm also worried about renting a property at the moment and whether other family members not currently living with you can visit a few days a week - my son, following a recent amicable seperation? Also, even if a place is empty and not shared and so can safely be moved into with Coronavirus, I'm guessing no recent checks will have been made on condition or safety of boilers etc with companies closing and letting agencies doing less checks. Also, fewer removal companies to transport furniture to an unfurnished home. These are things you never seem to hear about right now and how it can affect a potential house rental, despite searching for answers. And transporting my own furniture by car could be very difficult, and I don't even think it may be allowed at the moment anyway? 
Thank you for your advice re: checking small print of contracts to see if rent is a temporary reduction. Will make sure I do, or will ask. 
Wouk

Marvel1

wouk said:

Lover_of_Lycra said:

This topic belongs on the Debate House Prices and Economy board

I went there and there's a note from ML saying that board is now closed due to Coronavirus high volume of posts! Wouk

Also states:
"Please do not post content intended for this board elsewhere in the forum – we appreciate your help and understanding during this exceptionally difficult time. It goes without saying, we hope to get back to full business as soon as possible!"

lisyloo

wouk said:

MoneyMoney said:

If your are getting a new rental there will be an agreement with terms when you sign for it. This will include if any reductions are lower prices or temporary reductions. Ask them and get it in writing. 

So if a rent has been reduced, it has to be declared by law? Especially if it may go back to usual price later?  I'm also worried about renting a property at the moment and whether other family members not currently living with you can visit a few days a week - my son, following a recent amicable seperation? Also, even if a place is empty and not shared and so can safely be moved into with Coronavirus, I'm guessing no recent checks will have been made on condition or safety of boilers etc with companies closing and letting agencies doing less checks. Also, fewer removal companies to transport furniture to an unfurnished home. These are things you never seem to hear about right now and how it can affect a potential house rental, despite searching for answers. And transporting my own furniture by car could be very difficult, and I don't even think it may be allowed at the moment anyway? 
Thank you for your advice re: checking small print of contracts to see if rent is a temporary reduction. Will make sure I do, or will ask. 
Wouk

As stated already rent is part of your contract. So for example if you sign a fixed contract for a year, the landlord cannot put the rent up for a year as it’s agreed. However it’s logical that if you are getting a great rate then it may well go up when the contract allows.
I’d say going somewhere you cannot normally afford long term would be silly unless you get a long term contract (we do 1 year).

NO family cannot visit. What part of STAY AT HOME is unclear. The reasons for going out are crystal clear and visiting people is NOT allowed. You’ll have to do FaceTime like the rest of us.

you should seek to avoid moving at the moment - you've identified some of the issues yourself like removals.
why do you want to move? Is there a reason you cannot stay put?
are you seeking to take advantage? (It has downsides)
or is it just an academic question?
I’d say you should avoid unless there is a strong reason like domestic violence and even then you’ll still face the practical issues mentioned e.g. inventory, removals, safety checks.
I’ve lost someone during this time and you need to take it seriously.
does your move justify putting your own life or someone else’s life at risk?
if it doesn’t then you simply shouldn’t move right now.

lisyloo

Marvel1 said:

wouk said:

Lover_of_Lycra said:

This topic belongs on the Debate House Prices and Economy board

I went there and there's a note from ML saying that board is now closed due to Coronavirus high volume of posts! Wouk

Also states:
"Please do not post content intended for this board elsewhere in the forum – we appreciate your help and understanding during this exceptionally difficult time. It goes without saying, we hope to get back to full business as soon as possible!"

I am asssuming it’s ok to address the practical issues.

Debsnewbudget

Children are still allowed to move between the homes of separated parents, depends how old your son is. 

Comms69

lisyloo said:

wouk said:

MoneyMoney said:

If your are getting a new rental there will be an agreement with terms when you sign for it. This will include if any reductions are lower prices or temporary reductions. Ask them and get it in writing. 

So if a rent has been reduced, it has to be declared by law? Especially if it may go back to usual price later?  I'm also worried about renting a property at the moment and whether other family members not currently living with you can visit a few days a week - my son, following a recent amicable seperation? Also, even if a place is empty and not shared and so can safely be moved into with Coronavirus, I'm guessing no recent checks will have been made on condition or safety of boilers etc with companies closing and letting agencies doing less checks. Also, fewer removal companies to transport furniture to an unfurnished home. These are things you never seem to hear about right now and how it can affect a potential house rental, despite searching for answers. And transporting my own furniture by car could be very difficult, and I don't even think it may be allowed at the moment anyway? 
Thank you for your advice re: checking small print of contracts to see if rent is a temporary reduction. Will make sure I do, or will ask. 
Wouk

As stated already rent is part of your contract. So for example if you sign a fixed contract for a year, the landlord cannot put the rent up for a year as it’s agreed. However it’s logical that if you are getting a great rate then it may well go up when the contract allows.
I’d say going somewhere you cannot normally afford long term would be silly unless you get a long term contract (we do 1 year).

NO family cannot visit. What part of STAY AT HOME is unclear. The reasons for going out are crystal clear and visiting people is NOT allowed. You’ll have to do FaceTime like the rest of us.

you should seek to avoid moving at the moment - you've identified some of the issues yourself like removals.
why do you want to move? Is there a reason you cannot stay put?
are you seeking to take advantage? (It has downsides)
or is it just an academic question?
I’d say you should avoid unless there is a strong reason like domestic violence and even then you’ll still face the practical issues mentioned e.g. inventory, removals, safety checks.
I’ve lost someone during this time and you need to take it seriously.
does your move justify putting your own life or someone else’s life at risk?
if it doesn’t then you simply shouldn’t move right now.

You clearly havent read the law have you? 

You've lost someone, so I need to take it seriously? ok then.

lisyloo

Which law are referring to? The bit that said “I’d say” was my opinion on the morality.
yes you should take not spreading the virus seriously when people are dying, that’s in keeping with the government advice and all the recent law isn’t it?

lovely friendly place as usual.