I'm a landlord and my tenants want to freeze their rent

[Pooshweens]

I let out a 2 bed flat privately, and the tenants (who I've had for approx 3 years, and have been fine), are asking to freeze their rent

They say one is currently employed, but the other is not employed and will struggle to get a new contract with everything going on

I have a large mortgage on the property - I can of course try to freeze this, but will still have to pay it ultimately for months they wouldn't be paying rent, and my monthly repayments would subsequently increase

I don't think I can serve them notice anyway, not that I'd want to

I'm wondering how to best handle this and what rights I have (if any!) as a landlord. I'd like to see proof of unemployment or lack of wages. Not sure what to do!

What exactly do they mean. Usually a rent freeze means not increasing the rent, which no landlord should be doing during this period anyway.

Do they mean this, or are they asking to live rent free?

As others have said find out exactly what they want and work from there.

I'd suggest saying that they pay less now (whatever that less may be), and after an agreed amount of time, say three months, pay more to cover the relief.

Definitely ask them how much they are willing to pay, you might be surprised that they can still pay 75%.

If bills etc are included, perhaps ask them to pay this separately, so they are encouraged not have lights and heating on all the time.

Or take this out of their deposit?

I know we don't have to say this since you're a landlord but doesn't hurt... Get everything explicitly spelled out in writing. Including a plan B if one of them struggles to find work longterm.

the shriekers on here seem to think that instant eviction applies in normal times. It doesn't in England, (it is America where a man with a gun turns up) and certainly doesn't now. It is 2 months in arrears before a notice can be issued (let alone start proceedings which are now stopped) and is now 3 months.

OP, there is NOTHING you can do and you have no rights beyond the eviction that can't even be started anyway. Contact your rent guarantee insurers who may well jettison you (Direct Line already have) - if the cover is still valid check with them first to make sure you don't invalidate it by accepting any offer.

sorry.

Interested to hear the outcome of this OP.

Surprised nobody suggested that the tenant camels gym membership, cuts back on bills where possible, forgoes holiday etc before asking to pay less/no rent. Roof over their head has to be the absolute priority and there might be numerous ways to cut back before asking for reduction in rent.

Cancels. Not camels

Why can’t you apply for a mortgage holiday??