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THREAD: HOW TO NEGOTIATE A LOWER RENT 
The rent is, beyond doubt, too damn high. But renters donât always have to pay what the landlord demands. Hereâs a thread with some tips to save money on your biggest expense. 1/
The rent is, beyond doubt, too damn high. But renters donât always have to pay what the landlord demands. Hereâs a thread with some tips to save money on your biggest expense. 1/
There are three key factors landlords use to set the rent:
What similar homes are going for in the local market
Whether your home is in good condition
Whether youâre willing to move out.
Remember this when you approach any negotiation!
What similar homes are going for in the local marketWhether your home is in good conditionWhether youâre willing to move out.Remember this when you approach any negotiation!
Landlords canât simply raise the rent.
If you have a fixed term tenancy, landlords need you to agree to the new rent in a renewed contract. If you do not have a fixed term tenancy, they have to serve you a Section 13 notice. 3/
If you have a fixed term tenancy, landlords need you to agree to the new rent in a renewed contract. If you do not have a fixed term tenancy, they have to serve you a Section 13 notice. 3/
You can negotiate the rent for a renewed tenancy, and you can challenge a Section 13 at a tribunal.
In both cases, your chances of success depend on whether the landlord is asking for a similar or higher rent to what other homes are going for locally. 4/
In both cases, your chances of success depend on whether the landlord is asking for a similar or higher rent to what other homes are going for locally. 4/
Weâve heard from some tenants that landlords are asking for ridiculous increases - possibly to force them out without serving a Section 21 âno faultâ eviction.
But they cannot do this without your agreement or a valid Section 13 notice. 5/
But they cannot do this without your agreement or a valid Section 13 notice. 5/
Your staying power is a very important part of a rent negotiation.
Your landlord wouldn't want to take a risk on an unknown tenant, pay to advertise the property, miss out on rent and then cover the cost of starting the new tenancy, all in the middle of Covid-19. 6/
Your landlord wouldn't want to take a risk on an unknown tenant, pay to advertise the property, miss out on rent and then cover the cost of starting the new tenancy, all in the middle of Covid-19. 6/
With furlough ending, more renters will be on lower incomes and reliant on benefits.
If you have lost income, your landlord may agree to a reduced rent. Research other rent prices in your area and consider the condition of the property when discussing a lower rent. 7/
If you have lost income, your landlord may agree to a reduced rent. Research other rent prices in your area and consider the condition of the property when discussing a lower rent. 7/
Although the eviction ban has ended, there is now a 6 monthsâ notice period for all evictions served on or after 29 August.
Your landlord canât legally evict you without following this process, and so itâs in their interest to negotiate. 8/
Your landlord canât legally evict you without following this process, and so itâs in their interest to negotiate. 8/
In some places rents are actually falling - London in particular.
So even if your income is intact and your landlord has kept the rent steady, you should check local listings and see what rent the landlord would have to settle for if you moved out. 9/ https://www.theguardian.com/money/2020/oct/21/private-rents-london-covid-crisis-cities-britain
So even if your income is intact and your landlord has kept the rent steady, you should check local listings and see what rent the landlord would have to settle for if you moved out. 9/ https://www.theguardian.com/money/2020/oct/21/private-rents-london-covid-crisis-cities-britain
Unfortunately, thereâs no formal way of requesting a rent reduction, and not all landlords will want to negotiate.
If youâre struggling to pay rent or youâre worried about losing your home, itâs important to seek expert advice https://www.generationrent.org/find_expert_advice. 10/
If youâre struggling to pay rent or youâre worried about losing your home, itâs important to seek expert advice https://www.generationrent.org/find_expert_advice. 10/
Have you managed to negotiate a lower rent with your landlord? Or have you been hit with a massive rent increase? Tell us how the pandemic has affected you, and join our campaign to ensure no renter is left without a secure and affordable home - http://Ventyour.rent [END]
