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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to ask for a rent reduction?

40 replies

LouBlue1507 · 18/02/2017 20:25

Hi everyone! Just looking for opinions really, especially from any LLs!

After going over our finances and cutting back on everything, our bills are still more than our income Sad

We get on well with our LL, have always paid the rent in full and on time and he has always commented on how well we're looking after he place when he comes. We've been here for 2 years now.

WIBU to ask the LL for a rent reduction if I explain to him that we're struggling and don't want to have to move?

OP posts:
Confused59 · 18/02/2017 20:29

Depends on how much and how long for ?

coconutpie · 18/02/2017 20:29

No harm in asking but I do not agree with you implying that since you pay rent in full and on time means you should get special treatment. You receive a service, you pay for it - there should be no "reward" for doing so. It honestly baffles me as to why people think that since they pay their rent that the landlord should be appreciative - do you think the shopkeeper in your local newsagents should be appreciative you paid for your morning newspaper?

In short - yes, ask. He can say yes or no. But do not say anything about you paying rent on time and in full.

Original poster
LouBlue1507 · 18/02/2017 20:31

I do not believe that I should be 'rewarded' for paying the LL was he is owed at all! I'm just trying to show that we're good tenants. Unlike the others he currently has!

OP posts:
EveOnline2016 · 18/02/2017 20:32

I wouldn't dream of asking for a reduction in rent.

Letmesleepalready · 18/02/2017 20:32

Are you sure you're claiming all the benefits you can? That would be my first option, as the Landlord may agree for a while but could give you a section 21. If you really can't afford it, it could be worth a try, but be prepared to move in the next 2 months if it goes pear shaped. The money saving expert website /forums are very useful, and you can post a statement of affairs for others to help you cut back on stuff.

dreamingofsun · 18/02/2017 20:33

you can ask. to be blunt, we've had tenants who have done this. we said no. our thinking was that they knew the rent before they moved in and why should we? our rent is competitive so we would be giving them money....in a roundabout sort of way. its not the LLs fault that you are struggling.

we have let tenants pay a bit late though because it was a ST glitch and they were generally good.

the LL will still have the same bills to pay themselves. if you are in an area where its hard to find tenants then you may be lucky - especially if the LL is charging more than the market rate - but even so you signed a contract to pay a certain amount.

witsender · 18/02/2017 20:34

It would be the last thing I would try, housing is a pretty fixed cost. Are there no other bills you can cut?

rollonthesummer · 18/02/2017 20:37

I don't think they will reduce your rent.

What are your outgoings/ingoings-maybe we can help?

Original poster
LouBlue1507 · 18/02/2017 20:38

Definitely no other bills we can cut... It's since having a baby and childcare costs, we've struggled. We've had unexpected bills that have knocked us for six.

Of course I know it's not the LLs problem but is it worth asking? Would he consider evicting us if we did?

OP posts:
dreamingofsun · 18/02/2017 20:41

he can't evict you if you have a contract and continue paying on time.

Letseatgrandma · 18/02/2017 20:42

Could you get a house/flat for less money than this one?

I doubt they'd evict you for asking, no. They will if you don't pay the rent!

I presume you wouldn't phone the gas/electricity people or BT and ask to pay less?!

Tantrictantrum · 18/02/2017 20:45

I'm a LL. I'd say no. Tax changes come in in April so if the property is mortgaged his costs will rise. If you haven't had a rent increase in 2 years he's effectively giving you a reduction - my property is £50 more per month than it was 18 months ago just due to market and demand

UnexpectedItemInShaggingArea · 18/02/2017 20:45

If it's an assured shorthold tenancy contract the LL can give 2 months notice for no reason whatsoever.

It doesn't sound sustainable. How much of a reduction do you need and for how long?

Tootsiepops · 18/02/2017 20:49

Lou - I am a landlord, and I would temporarily reduce the rent for my tenants if I had a good relationship with them and they were really struggling.

rocket74 · 18/02/2017 20:51

I rent and it would never occur to me to ask. I've bartered a lower price before taking a property before but that's it. I can't imagine anyone ever agreeing to that.
He may well keep your rent at the same rate for a good few years if you are good tenants though.
Are you sure you can't apply for housing benefit to top you up?

PeppaPigTastesLikeBacon · 18/02/2017 20:52

It'll probably be a no. You might be able to get a period of reduction but not reduced going forwards. As others have said, you knew the rent before you moved in

user8463728287 · 18/02/2017 20:54

If I were a landlord I wouldn't be happy if I were asked to accept less rent. I would say no. Landlords have their own costs to consider, may be paying a mortgage on the property for example.

It would also make me nervous that you might start paying late or missing payments if you couldn't afford it.

I think you need to accept the house is no longer affordable and look for something cheaper. Perhaps tell the landlord you are struggling and will be looking for a new home, and give them chance to offer a reduction if they value you as tenants, but I wouldn't ask outright.

Livelovebehappy · 18/02/2017 20:57

Can't you maybe move to a smaller and cheaper property? I'm sure if LL knew you were struggling, he would maybe let you have your deposit returned quick to enable you to transfer straight to another property. It would take the pressure off you, as if finances are so tight that a couple of unexpected bills throw you into financial problems, it could be a recurring problem in the future. Whilst the LL may be sympathetic to a one off problem, his sympathies might wane if it keeps happening.

Floridasunset · 18/02/2017 20:58

I would want to help but my own circumstances would mean I would say no. I'm on maternity leave and budgeted for it including my rental income. Obviously this is probably not the same for your LL but my point is that you don't know their circumstances. Plus I haven't put the rent up in three years because I have good tenants so they are already paying less than market rate

Original poster
LouBlue1507 · 18/02/2017 21:02

Thanks for all your advise, I'm not going to ask. We'll just have to plod on!

OP posts:
CatAstronaut · 18/02/2017 21:03

I'm a landlord and would agree to a small drop in rent for a short period of time as it is less hassle than getting somebody else in. Your landlord will hopefully be pragmatic about it but you might find your rent increases before long to compensate for it.

Do look online and make sure you are on the most competitive tariffs etc for your gas, electricity and anything else.

Zampa · 18/02/2017 21:03

For a good tenant, I'd consider a 5 -10% rent reduction for a fixed time frame (6 months maybe?). Finding a new tenant costs money, before taken into account any void periods.

The only risk in asking is that the Landlord gets concerned about your future prospects and so serves notice.

terrythetrex · 18/02/2017 21:07

I rent and I wouldn't ask purely because I wouldn't want to give my ll a reason to terminate the contract or give reason not to renew if problems were temporary

mummymummums · 18/02/2017 21:07

I think it's worth asking, especially if you'll move if nothing changes. LL would probably like option if you were going to leave. He can only say No. when I was a LL every would be tenant offered much less during negotiations - e.g. Property on at £1200 a month and was regularly offered £700-£800 a month. I said No. A lot may depend on how close to market value you are now

counterpoint · 18/02/2017 21:09

You might send out worrying signals to you LL if you ask for a rent reduction. It might undo the good relations you have established. With the new tax rulings, his/her profits (if any) will be reduced anyway.

Tough times ahead for all, methinks.