Liklihood of rent reduction

claireliath

Hi everyone,

I know this question is kind of how long is a piece of string, but any opinions are appreciated before I bring my case to my landlord/estate agent.

I'm currrently working full time in a permanent professional job, and am planning a 2 year career break from September to return to education full time. I obviously won't be getting paid by my current employer but I have sufficient savings to cover my rent and also plan to take a small loan, sell my car to raise initial funds and cut expenses, and take a part time job.

I would like to ask my estate agent for a rent reduction for this period. Possibly 10%. This is a houseshare just outside Dublin City Centre but all tenants are on seperate contracts.

I'm a great tenant. I maintain good communication with the estate agent, I finance and DIY small repairs and improvements to the property, have good rapport with the neighbours, and have never had issues with rent or lateness.

Landlords/estate agents/tenants who have been in a similar position - are rent reductions due to circumstances changing a thing? If so, does my case look like it would likely be successful?

The property is rented through an estate agent as part of a fair deal scheme as far as I know if that makes a difference.

handlemaster

claireliath wrote: »

Hi everyone,

I know this question is kind of how long is a piece of string, but any opinions are appreciated before I bring my case to my landlord/estate agent.

I'm currrently working full time in a permanent professional job, and am planning a 2 year career break from September to return to education full time. I obviously won't be getting paid by my current employer but I have sufficient savings to cover my rent and also plan to take a small loan, sell my car to raise initial funds and cut expenses, and take a part time job.

I would like to ask my estate agent for a rent reduction for this period. Possibly 10%. This is a houseshare just outside Dublin City Centre but all tenants are on seperate contracts.

I'm a great tenant. I maintain good communication with the estate agent, I finance and DIY small repairs and improvements to the property, have good rapport with the neighbours, and have never had issues with rent or lateness.

Landlords/estate agents/tenants who have been in a similar position - are rent reductions due to circumstances changing a thing? If so, does my case look like it would likely be successful?

The property is rented through an estate agent as part of a fair deal scheme as far as I know if that makes a difference.

You want the LL to partly find your voluntary career break . This has to be a wind up.

claireliath

handlemaster wrote: »

You want the LL to partly find your voluntary career break . This has to be a wind up.

Haha okay good point and v succint. Glad I flew the kite first before asking him :^)

ztoical

claireliath wrote: »

This is a houseshare just outside Dublin City Centre but all tenants are on seperate contracts.
.

You can always ask OP but considering the location there is little motivation for them to offer you a reduction. If you were the only person in the house in a remote area a LL might consider it to save the hassle of trying to find a new tenant but a house share in Dublin? they'd be fighting people off trying to let the room.

some random drunk

I think it would be wise to factor in to your budget a possible rental increase during the 2 years.

With regards to a rent reduction. Yeah there's always the " No harm in asking" argument, but in the present market I wouldn't hold out much hope.

Ace2007

What would you have said if the LL came to you and said due to financial pressures he had to raise the rent for 10% for a period of time - would you be happy enough to pay it?

Mrs OBumble

claireliath wrote: »

I finance and DIY small repairs and improvements to the property,

Unless you mean that you change light bulbs yourself, than as a LL I would not consider this a good thing.

I'd rather pay an insured pro to do a job, than risk suffering the effects of an uninsured handy(sic) man.

3DataModem

Meh. 10% might be worth keeping a good tenant.

Tell the LL your budget is lower due to going back to education, so you can only afford X per month for next 24 months.

I'd probably allow it as a LL if the tenant put up an extra months refundable deposit (for example). I'd also suggest if the tenant wanted to offer some work-in-kind (e.g a repainting, landscaping, tiling). I allowed a tenant do this for me once in lieu of part rent and they did a great job.

claireliath

Ace2007 wrote: »

What would you have said if the LL came to you and said due to financial pressures he had to raise the rent for 10% for a period of time - would you be happy enough to pay it?

Honestly I'd consider it. The hassle of moving, and risk of sacrifing a nice house/sound housemates/great location would probably make the increase worth it for me. The end date of 24 months rather than indefinitely would also help. But hopefully you aren't my landlord and I haven't given you any ideas lol

claireliath

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Unless you mean that you change lightnings yourself, than as a LL I would not consider this a good think.

I'd rather pay an insured pro to do a job, than risk suffering the effects of an uninsured handy(sic) man.

No for big jobs we obviously report the fault through the normal channels, but LL/EA is happy to allow me and other tenants to superfically improve the place with freedom e.g. decor, furnishing, upgrading small appliances, garden work, which I've found to be unusual up until renting this spot.

claireliath

3DataModem wrote: »

Meh. 10% might be worth keeping a good tenant.

Tell the LL your budget is lower due to going back to education, so you can only afford X per month for next 24 months.

I'd probably allow it as a LL if the tenant put up an extra months refundable deposit (for example). I'd also suggest if the tenant wanted to offer some work-in-kind (e.g a repainting, landscaping, tiling). I allowed a tenant do this for me once in lieu of part rent and they did a great job.

Hi, thanks this is hopeful. I only started considering these options this morning so it's good to have this example in my head

mrslancaster

claireliath wrote: »

Hi, thanks this is hopeful. I only started considering these options this morning so it's good to have this example in my head

There's no harm in asking as others posted but I don't get this tbh. If someone takes a career break and income drops they don't ask Tesco /CIE/ Esb/Vodafone etc for reductions for 2 years. What is it with people always expecting landlords to take the hit? Not a landlord btw.

claireliath

mrslancaster wrote: »

There's no harm in asking as others posted but I don't get this tbh. If someone takes a career break and income drops they don't ask Tesco /CIE/ Esb/Vodafone etc for reductions for 2 years. What is it with people always expecting landlords to take the hit? Not a landlord btw.

Well I guess one can choose to spend less on the above by adjusting spending/energy usage behaviours, to rent in my current spot I have no choice as it's a set charge.

But if I did need to ask for a payment plan or "bill holiday" for example from my gas or leccy provider, that option is available to me afaik.

Plus also, I'm not "expecting" anyone to take "the hit", more hoping they'll help out if possible. And if not, that's okay too

MacDanger

claireliath wrote: »

Hi everyone,

I know this question is kind of how long is a piece of string, but any opinions are appreciated before I bring my case to my landlord/estate agent.

I'm currrently working full time in a permanent professional job, and am planning a 2 year career break from September to return to education full time. I obviously won't be getting paid by my current employer but I have sufficient savings to cover my rent and also plan to take a small loan, sell my car to raise initial funds and cut expenses, and take a part time job.

I would like to ask my estate agent for a rent reduction for this period. Possibly 10%. This is a houseshare just outside Dublin City Centre but all tenants are on seperate contracts.

I'm a great tenant. I maintain good communication with the estate agent, I finance and DIY small repairs and improvements to the property, have good rapport with the neighbours, and have never had issues with rent or lateness.

Landlords/estate agents/tenants who have been in a similar position - are rent reductions due to circumstances changing a thing? If so, does my case look like it would likely be successful?

The property is rented through an estate agent as part of a fair deal scheme as far as I know if that makes a difference.

What is the going rent for similar properties in the area? If it's higher than what you're paying then you might have a decent chance of getting a reduction (or you have the option of leaving); if it's lower, then it's unlikely.

No harm in asking though

Smee_Again

If the landlord does offer a temporary reduction, is he legally able to reinstate the original rent? If I was the landlord and I was open to the idea that'd be my main concern so if you can get a definitive answer to that before asking the landlord it might help persuade him.

claireliath

Smee_Again wrote: »

If the landlord does offer a temporary reduction, is he legally able to reinstate the original rent? If I was the landlord and I was open to the idea that'd be my main concern so if you can get a definitive answer to that before asking the landlord it might help persuade him.

Great point, I personally would happily sign an agreement for this and it's definitely something I'll bring up if I do decide to ask about it.

claireliath

MacDanger wrote: »

What is the going rent for similar properties in the area? If it's higher than what you're paying then you might have a decent chance of getting a reduction (or you have the option of leaving); if it's lower, then it's unlikely.

No harm in asking though

Hmm there isn't much variation from what I can see after a brief check on daft. Probably €50 either side would be the furthest stretch.

And yes I'm aware cheaper options exist if I move elsewhere/get a sugar daddy or whatever (sarcasm) but it would cause less hassle for me to stay, and possibly for the LL too

claireliath

Thanks everyone for responses. It was good to get a mix of POVs and points to consider.

One last question for team "No harm in asking":


I know I am able to cover the rent with savings even before taking on freelance part time work during my time studying BUT if I ask, and LL says no chance, I have disclosed to my LL that I could potentially be financially ustable for 2 years. Will I worry them? And possibly make them question my security as a tenant? Maybe there is harm in asking if the reduction is very unlikely...

mrslancaster

claireliath wrote: »

Well I guess one can choose to spend less on the above by adjusting spending/energy usage behaviours, to rent in my current spot I have no choice as it's a set charge.

But if I did need to ask for a payment plan or "bill holiday" for example from my gas or leccy provider, that option is available to me afaik.....

Didn't know a bill holiday was possible for 2 years.

Or there's always the option to move to somewhere cheaper

Smee_Again

How long have you been living there? The LL can't ask you to leave because he thinks you may struggle to pay rent, but he can ask you leave at the end of your part 4 cycle which is currently 6 years.

claireliath

mrslancaster wrote: »

Didn't know a bill holiday was possible for 2 years.

Or there's always the option to move to somewhere cheaper

Yeah I'm not sure I've never looked into it tbh. And yep I know that's an option, thanks for your help!

claireliath

Smee_Again wrote: »

How long have you been living there? The LL can't ask you to leave because he thinks you may struggle to pay rent, but he can ask you leave at the end of your part 4 cycle which is currently 6 years.

2 years next month. So from this POV I'm fairly safe I guess. Thanks!

Jerry Attrick

claireliath wrote: »

Hmm there isn't much variation from what I can see after a brief check on daft. Probably €50 either side would be the furthest stretch.

And yes I'm aware cheaper options exist if I move elsewhere/get a sugar daddy or whatever (sarcasm) but it would cause less hassle for me to stay, and possibly for the LL too

The other side of that argument is that the LL has no guarantee whether:

i) he'll be able to increase the rent in two years' time, and/or

ii) that you'll continue to rent the property after the 24 months are over,

so he may well conclude that that hassle now followed by 2 years of full rent is better than 2 years of lower rent followed by possible hassle anyway!

Ace2007

claireliath wrote: »

Great point, I personally would happily sign an agreement for this and it's definitely something I'll bring up if I do decide to ask about it.

It should be full rent + discount he gives, anything else and he may have a hard time getting the rent back up, like others said, what happens in 2 years time if you can't pay the full amount for whatever reason.

dennyk

some random drunk wrote: »

Yeah there's always the " No harm in asking" argument

Unless your asking reminds a disengaged landlord that rent reviews are a thing... :pac:

mrslancaster

handlemaster wrote: »

You want the LL to partly find your voluntary career break . This has to be a wind up.

The more I think about this the more I think it must be a wind-up alright. Can't really see why any landlord would agree to a rent reduction for 2 years because a tenant decides to take a career break.
Nobody knows what new regulations are in the pipeline from housing minister darragh obrien. He said he's bringing in robust new rules to replace the RPZ so anything is possible.

banie01

claireliath wrote: »

Plus also, I'm not "expecting" anyone to take "the hit", more hoping they'll help out if possible. And if not, that's okay too

But that's exactly what taking the hit is?

You are choosing to restrict your income, the landlord has no obligation to subsidise your effort at self improvement.

Because that's precisely what asking for a rent discount is, it is the Landlord agreeing to forgoe part of their income so you can attend a course.

As for "help out if possible"....
There is a bang of entitlement from that tbh.
You are choosing to place yourself at reduced income, a deliberate and considered choice.
Not something worthy of anyone at forgoing their own income to help out IMO.

claireliath

banie01 wrote: »

But that's exactly what taking the hit is?

You are choosing to restrict your income, the landlord has no obligation to subsidise your effort at self improvement.

Because that's precisely what asking for a rent discount is, it is the Landlord agreeing to forgoe part of their income so you can attend a course.

As for "help out if possible"....
There is a bang of entitlement from that tbh.
You are choosing to place yourself at reduced income, a deliberate and considered choice.
Not something worthy of anyone at forgoing their own income to help out IMO.

Fair enough that's your opinion, but I don't think simply asking and being prepared to accept a rejection is especially "entitled"

Ace2007

claireliath wrote: »

Fair enough that's your opinion, but I don't think simply asking and being prepared to accept a rejection is especially "entitled"

If your intention is to continue to rent once the 24 months is over, could you perhaps tell the landlord that you will back back the rent reduction in the following year.

banie01

claireliath wrote: »

Fair enough that's your opinion, but I don't think simply asking and being prepared to accept a rejection is especially "entitled"

If the landlord says no reduction?
Rather a deferral and you agree to pay the money deferred over the 2yrs on completion of your course?
They try and help you out without actually losing money?

What then?
You are asking a landlord to take a reduction for 2yrs as a favour to you in your pursuit of self improvement.
Why not offer him a contract deferral?

Let's be honest, the landlord could from your description of the property and location replace you in moments and for a higher rent too.
What incentive does the landlord have to subsidise your education?

claireliath

banie01 wrote: »

If the landlord says no reduction?
Rather a deferral and you agree to pay the money deferred over the 2yrs on completion of your course?
They try and help you out without actually losing money?

What then?
You are asking a landlord to take a reduction for 2yrs as a favour to you in your pursuit of self improvement.
Why not offer him a contract deferral?

Let's be honest, the landlord could from your description of the property and location replace you in moments and for a higher rent too.
What incentive does the landlord have to subsidise your education?

A contract deferral is definitely worth exploring, I didn't even think of that. Thanks for that idea.

claireliath

Ace2007 wrote: »

If your intention is to continue to rent once the 24 months is over, could you perhaps tell the landlord that you will back back the rent reduction in the following year.

Oh yeah good shout! Paying back my normal rate plus 10% extra for 2 years would absolutely be plausible for me once I'm back working after the break. I do intend to keep renting at that point. I know it's a long committment for the LL but it's something I could suggest and negotiate for sure. Thanks again.

Ray Palmer

Whomever thinks there is no harm in asking i assure you are wrong. If a tenant asked me this huge alarm bells would sound. The description of being a good tenant by doing the garden and adding personal touches is hilarious. Small appliance upgrades? A new toaster? This is basic tenant stuff, if a tenant never tighten a screw and expects everything to be done by the landlord they are a bad tenant.
Throw out the idea of a deffered payment because it would be unenforceable. You could stop paying the rent at anytime on top of a mythical repayment.

To even ask your landlord is an insult. Do you want to insult your landlord?

MacDanger

Ray Palmer wrote: »

Whomever thinks there is no harm in asking i assure you are wrong. If a tenant asked me this huge alarm bells would sound. The description of being a good tenant by doing the garden and adding personal touches is hilarious. Small appliance upgrades? A new toaster? This is basic tenant stuff, if a tenant never tighten a screw and expects everything to be done by the landlord they are a bad tenant.
Throw out the idea of a deffered payment because it would be unenforceable. You could stop paying the rent at anytime on top of a mythical repayment.

To even ask your landlord is an insult. Do you want to insult your landlord?

So other than "insulting" the LL and potentially setting off "huge alarm bells", what would be the actual harm in it?

Ray Palmer

MacDanger wrote: »

So other than "insulting" the LL and potentially setting off "huge alarm bells", what would be the actual harm in it?

If you don't care how your landlord feels about you good for you. Don't expect any leeway in the future. I like to be nice to people who work in shops too but I don't do it because the harm they could cause.

Good rule of thumb don't insult people and ill advised to insult the person providing the place you live.

MacDanger

Ray Palmer wrote: »

If you don't care how your landlord feels about you good for you. Don't expect any leeway in the future. I like to be nice to people who work in shops too but I don't do it because the harm they could cause.

Good rule of thumb don't insult people and ill advised to insult the person providing the place you live.

Genuine question, what sort of leeway are you talking about here that would have been available but wouldn't after the OP explains their situation and asks for a rent reduction?

Ray Palmer

MacDanger wrote: »

Genuine question, what sort of leeway are you talking about here that would have been available but wouldn't after the OP explains their situation and asks for a rent reduction?

Hard to believe you have no understanding of human nature and reality. Tenants often want stuff done that the landlord doesn't have to do but will do for a good relationship if there is a bad relationship they won't. Not a difficult concept. The amount of times tenants delay rent due to something unforseen is huge. Why would a landlord be nice to somebody that insults them.

The thought of a tenant asking for a landlord to financially support them in their personal choices is ridiculous. The OP may genuinely have been naive in thinking this but you have already read replies so know how quickly others see what is being asked for. The is no reason a landlord should support the OPs personal choices. If you can't see that it is your issue as a landlord I am telling you how I would feel and it is the way the majority would feel. Don't worry about it because it doesn't sound like you will ever be in the position yourself.

MacDanger

Ray Palmer wrote: »

Hard to believe you have no understanding of human nature and reality. Tenants often want stuff done that the landlord doesn't have to do but will do for a good relationship if there is a bad relationship they won't. Not a difficult concept. The amount of times tenants delay rent due to something unforseen is huge. Why would a landlord be nice to somebody that insults them.

The thought of a tenant asking for a landlord to financially support them in their personal choices is ridiculous. The OP may genuinely have been naive in thinking this but you have already read replies so know how quickly others see what is being asked for. The is no reason a landlord should support the OPs personal choices. If you can't see that it is your issue as a landlord I am telling you how I would feel and it is the way the majority would feel. Don't worry about it because it doesn't sound like you will ever be in the position yourself

Any specific examples of what you're talking about here, a real-world example of this "harm" that you think can be done by the OP asking?

I absolutely agree that there is no reason that the LL should support the OPs personal choices, but it's quite possible that the LL might consider a small reduction to save themselves the hassle (and the lost rent) of having to find a new tenant - as has been said "no harm in asking"

Ray Palmer

MacDanger wrote: »

Any specific examples of what you're talking about here, a real-world example of this "harm" that you think can be done by the OP asking?

I absolutely agree that there is no reason that the LL should support the OPs personal choices, but it's quite possible that the LL might consider a small reduction to save themselves the hassle (and the lost rent) of having to find a new tenant - as has been said "no harm in asking"

Ignore my advice but it isn't for you. If you see no harm in insulting the landlord the issue is yours. I gave an example and you just seem to want to argue

MacDanger

Ray Palmer wrote: »

Ignore my advice but it isn't for you. If you see no harm in insulting the landlord the issue is yours. I gave an example and you just seem to want to argue

Ah right, I didn't think there would be an example tbf

OP, there's literally no harm in asking. Good luck with it and I hope you get a good outcome whatever happens

Smee_Again

It would appear that some landlords are very easily insulted.

mrslancaster

Maybe the OP's parents or family would be willing to pay part of the rent for the 2 years. It's another option to consider as sometimes loved ones are happy to help. IMO better than asking a practical stranger who only has a business landlord/tenant relationship.

Ray Palmer

Smee_Again wrote: »

It would appear that some landlords are very easily insulted.

Will you just give me free money.

Ray Palmer

MacDanger wrote: »

Ah right, I didn't think there would be an example tbf

OP, there's literally no harm in asking. Good luck with it and I hope you get a good outcome whatever happens

I gave you an example. Do you have any idea how often tenants ring to say the rent will be late? Landlords can be nice about it or not. Something broken, can fixed quickly or slowly. You really weren't asking a genuine question you just don't think about how asking a question is simply rude and has consequences. Stinking attitude to have to another person

MacDanger

Ray Palmer wrote: »

I gave you an example. Do you have any idea how often tenants ring to say the rent will be late? Landlords can be nice about it or not. Something broken, can fixed quickly or slowly. You really weren't asking a genuine question you just don't think about how asking a question is simply rude and has consequences. Stinking attitude to have to another person

Not sure why you're getting so emotional about it, we're just discussing this.

So let's take this example of the tenant ringing to say that the rent will be late:

Situation A: LL has not been "insulted" by the tenant:
Tenant: "I'm going to be late with the rent"
LL: "okay, when you will have it"
Tenant: "next week"
LL: "okay, don't let this happen again"

Situation B: LL has been "insulted" by the tenant:
Tenant: "I'm going to be late with the rent"
LL: "that's not good enough, I want it today";
Tenant: "Sorry, I won't have it until next week"

What does the LL do now in situation B? As far as I'm aware, they can't take any action until 28 days have passed.

Where is the "harm" that has happened as a result of the tenant asking for a rent reduction?

Smee_Again

Ray Palmer wrote: »

Will you just give me free money.

No, but when I provide a service to an individual or a business I am cognisant of the fact that circumstances change and if they do I wouldn’t be insulted if I was asked for a price reduction.

I’d look at the facts and then make a decision weighing up the pros and cons, feelings wouldn’t really play a part.

Ray Palmer

MacDanger wrote: »

Not sure why you're getting so emotional about it, we're just discussing this.

So let's take this example of the tenant ringing to say that the rent will be late:

Situation A: LL has not been "insulted" by the tenant:
Tenant: "I'm going to be late with the rent"
LL: "okay, when you will have it"
Tenant: "next week"
LL: "okay, don't let this happen again"

Situation B: LL has been "insulted" by the tenant:
Tenant: "I'm going to be late with the rent"
LL: "that's not good enough, I want it today";
Tenant: "Sorry, I won't have it until next week"

What does the LL do now in situation B? As far as I'm aware, they can't take any action until 28 days have passed.

Where is the "harm" that has happened as a result of the tenant asking for a rent reduction?

Oh now I see how right you are. Not like you ignored the rest of the post content. Can't imagine the landlord ringing everyday till they are paid or having a little longer conversation than one sentence. I must commend you on your grasp of human interactions because you seem to understand people so much.

So people should never worry about insulting anybody because it doesn't matter.

MacDanger

:pac:

Ray Palmer wrote: »

Oh now I see how right you are. Not like you ignored the rest of the post content. Can't imagine the landlord ringing everyday till they are paid or having a little longer conversation than one sentence. I must commend you on your grasp of human interactions because you seem to understand people so much.

So people should never worry about insulting anybody because it doesn't matter.

But the end result would be absolutely no different, right? So other than some hurt feelings (in the event that the LL is some sort of bizarre snowflake), the OP would be exactly no worse off

I'll leave it at that, good luck with it OP

Meeoow

If the other tenants find out you got a rent reduction, do you not think that they would expect it too?
You are putting ll in a tricky situation. And with RPZ, they might not be able to restore the rent in 2 years. And what if you don't go straight into full time employment?

Covidhaveago

OP you're in/near DCC, LL would easily be able to rent out your room for same/higher rent, highly unlikely he'd be amenable to your request.

mrslancaster

Smee_Again wrote: »

No, but when I provide a service to an individual or a business I am cognisant of the fact that circumstances change and if they do I wouldn’t be insulted if I was asked for a price reduction.

I’d look at the facts and then make a decision weighing up the pros and cons, feelings wouldn’t really play a part.

Not a good comparison really, if you were running a business you have a lot of options e.g. you can increase the charge for your service, stop supplying the service immediately, add late fees to unpaid amounts, cut off a service & then charge a reconnection fee etc.
We all know banks have a long list of charges they can put through your account if you don't stick strictly to their rules. Even revenue charge penalties & interest for late returns/payments.
Landlords can't stop supply or change the rent at will so it's a very different situation.