Negotiating rent?

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Hi all I am due to complete on the sale of my house and need to find a rental. I've found a flat in a perfect spot, the only problem is it's an E band council tax so pushes it slightly over budget.

It's on for £1000 a month and has been empty since July, they reduced it mid August but it's still empty. Is it at all acceptable to try and negotiate the rent down? I was thinking of £950 a month. I could pay 6 months upfront if that sways things a little?

I've not rented before so not sure of the etiquette! TIA

I’m a landlord and I read the title of the thread thinking no. I think given the current situation with covid and the fact you are willing to pay 6 months upfront would probably make me say yes (no idea of your local market though) are you planning a long term tenancy or just the 6 months?

@Lightupgin

I’m a landlord and I read the title of the thread thinking no. I think given the current situation with covid and the fact you are willing to pay 6 months upfront would probably make me say yes (no idea of your local market though) are you planning a long term tenancy or just the 6 months?

I'll be renting until next September as I'm relocating to a new area then.

I've always negotiated rent! Usually get £50-100 off per month (in London). Just ask, all they can say is no.

Yes, I think you should certainly have a conversation about it. We rent out a flat and would be open to negotiation, particularly if the property has been without a tenant for such a long time.

Thank you I'll give it a try just didn't know if was absolutely not the done thing!

We are in the same boat as you. We are selling and relocating so will be renting. I have been checking Rightmove and letting agents' sites. We haven't got a date yet so can't actually do the deed. However, I saw on at least one agency site that against the listing next to the boxes you click to request a viewing or a full brochure, there was one saying 'make an offer'. I spoke to one agent who said it is fine to under offer. The landlord has to weigh up the market so things like pets, length of tenancy and the level of rent are just part of the mix. She specifically said that they have had a busy month but as we get to November, some landlords will panic that it is going to go quiet and their property will stay vacant until after Christmas. I'm hoping that timing works for us so I think you should be bold and under offer.

@WorriedMutha

We are in the same boat as you. We are selling and relocating so will be renting. I have been checking Rightmove and letting agents' sites. We haven't got a date yet so can't actually do the deed. However, I saw on at least one agency site that against the listing next to the boxes you click to request a viewing or a full brochure, there was one saying 'make an offer'. I spoke to one agent who said it is fine to under offer. The landlord has to weigh up the market so things like pets, length of tenancy and the level of rent are just part of the mix. She specifically said that they have had a busy month but as we get to November, some landlords will panic that it is going to go quiet and their property will stay vacant until after Christmas. I'm hoping that timing works for us so I think you should be bold and under offer.

That's fab advice thanks so much. The rental market here is crazy so the fact the flat is still on the market after 3 months means it's overpriced. I'm looking at it tomorrow so will try a lower offer if it's a goer. Good luck with your hunt it's very stressful!

Absolutely can be negotiated. I have rented 4 properties so far and negotiated for all of them. Once I was able to get it down from £2050 to £1863.

Leeds Utd ( football) manager negotiated his rent down for his flat above a sweet shop apparently it took 3 months before the Landlord caved. Hilariously his contract is for X millions a year. Must like sweets.

Thanks for the replies. Luckily I've found lovely house in the perfect spot which is affordable. Now I've just got to pray to god above that my buyers don't pull out before exchange - I'm playing an expensive game if they do!!!!!