How to negotiate rent with your landlord
You can negotiate over rent when your fixed term ends.
Your landlord may prefer to keep you as a tenant instead of looking for someone who will pay more.
You can also ask for a temporary reduction if you experience money problems.
You need to approach things differently depending on whether you:
have already missed rent payments
think you might be late with rent or not be able to pay it
But in both situations, try and show you have:
a long term proposal to pay the rent
been reliable at paying rent previously
What to do if you have rent arrears
Your landlord may be more likely to agree to a temporary rent reduction if you:
show you are working out how to pay them back
have a repayment proposal
Use our letter templates to update your landlord or make a repayment proposal.
Make rent your priority payment.
Find out how to deal with rent arrears if your debts are increasing.
How to negotiate a short term rent reduction
Let your landlord know if you have problems such as:
losing your job
increasing 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.
[Use the subject: My rent next month]
As you're aware I have always been a good tenant and paid my rent on time.
I need to tell you about a change in my situation due to [the reason].
I would like to ask if you would consider a reduced rent payment next month.
I can pay you £xxx
I expect my money problems to be short term and have taken the following steps already:
[Explain what you have done. For example, got a job offer or interview, looked for work, applied for benefits to help with rent].
I will keep you updated and be in touch next month to discuss future rent payments.
I look forward to your response.
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.
Last updated: 3 July 2023