Negotiating rent

[yorkshirebound]

We need to rent somewhere for 6ish months while we do work to a house we've bought. I've never rented before and am wondering if one does the same kind of offer/negotiation on proposed rental prices that you do when buying a house - thoughts?

yes, it is perfectly ok to offer a lower rent. If the place isn't renting, the landlord may well be amenable. If there is a scrum of people wanting it, it will go for a higher than advertised rent. (I had both these happen on my rented property at different times, just depends on the market).

you can also negotiate at renewal - we swapped no rent increase for the tenants removing worn out carpet and sanding floorboards. (They were very competent interior decorators).

no obligation on either side to accept, but always worth a try.

yes, you can negotiate (subject to local market/the realism of the advertised price) just as you would when buying. We knocked £100 off the currently place (still only a small fraction unfortunately)

Fantastic thanks, will give it a go. One of the places we are looking at has been on for about 5 months so def worth a try.

go for it - but do check for a 'but'. You aren't responsible for maintenance but if the landlord shows signs of not keeping the place in good nick, you can't complain if it was like that when you rented it.

bad neighbours, busy road, parking problems - all the usual stuff.