Can you negotiate rent with a landlord or letting agent?

You can try to negotiate rent with a private landlord or agent.

But it can be hard to get them to agree to a lower rent.

You could negotiate:

• before you sign a tenancy agreement and move in

• if you renew your tenancy when your fixed term ends

You might also need to negotiate about late rent payments or paying back arrears.

Before you sign a tenancy agreement

Landlords and agents usually advertise properties at the rent they want.

Ask if negotiation is possible if you like the place but the rent seems too high.

A landlord or agent might say yes if, for example:

• they think you would make a good tenant

• the property has been empty or advertised for some time

You could point out things that might stop you or others from renting the property. And then suggest a small rent reduction because of this. For example:

• old furniture

• worn carpets

• no outside space

• no car parking

• poor transport links

Sometimes there can be more serious problems with a property and it's better to leave it rather than negotiate about rent.

See our checklist for viewing a property to rent.

Competitive rent bidding

Unfortunately, some agents encourage competitive bidding between renters. This means they:

• ask anyone interested how much rent you are willing to pay

• give the tenancy to the person who can pay the most

This is not illegal but agents who do this are best avoided.

After signing an agreement but before moving in

It could be hard to change the terms of a tenancy agreement. When you sign it, you agree to all the terms including the rent.

There is no 'cooling off' period for tenancies. You cannot usually change the terms or cancel the agreement once you've signed.

Find out more about ending a tenancy before moving in.

When you renew a fixed term tenancy

You might be in a better position to negotiate rent if you already live there.

Your landlord might prefer to keep you as a tenant instead of looking for someone else who will pay more.

Find out about options when your fixed term tenancy ends.

Rent increases when your fixed term tenancy ends

Your landlord or agent could suggest a rent increase.

You do not have to agree to a higher rent. Your landlord might take steps to end your tenancy if you do not agree.

Find out more about rent increases for private tenants.

Money problems and rent arrears

Talk to your landlord if you have money problems or miss payments while you live there.

Your landlord might agree to a temporary rent reduction if you:

• show you are working out how to pay them back

• have a repayment proposal

How to negotiate a short term rent reduction

Let your landlord know if you have problems such as:

• losing your job

• higher energy costs

• universal credit payment delays

Tell them if you will have more income soon, for example if you have:

• a new job or interview

• applied for universal credit or other help

Copy our template into an email or message to your landlord.

You can also send the letter as an email attachment or through the post: 

• Word template: Ask for a short term rent reduction (docx 18kb)

• OpenDocument template: Ask for a short term rent reduction (odt 8kb)

Proof of what you agree with your landlord

Keep a record of what you agree about rent or repayment plans for arrears.

Make sure you are both clear about:

• how much rent you will be paying

• how long the new arrangement is for

• if or when you will have to start paying more

• if you have to pay back the difference

If your landlord agrees in writing to a permanent reduction then that becomes your new rent.