ASK THE EXPERT: Rent control

Did you know that you can haggle on rent? Challenge the advertised price and you could find yourself 20% richer

How negotiable is rent? I am moving out of home and renting for the first time, and I’m not sure whether I should expect to pay the quoted figure, or whether this is just a starting point. - Jessie

This is pretty much of a case of “shy bairns get nowt”. There really isn’t much to lose by asking. If the landlord says no, you’re no worse off. Many people simply agree to pay the agreed price without batting an eyelid, but you are clearly a shrewd shopper and more power to you.

Additionally, at the moment the media has reported that rents are dropping in many areas as there is a glut of rental properties, so landlords may be keen to compromise to fill a property rather than having it standing empty.

Rather than just plucking a figure that you might quite like to pay for your rent out of the air, you’ll stand a lot better chance of negotiating on the rent if you do your homework and present a good case.

Sell yourself as a dream tenant. Landlords want people who don’t cause them problems. References from previous properties would help, but as you’re a first-time renter it’s unlikely you’ll be able to provide these. However, a reference from your employer could also help at showing your are responsible and trustworthy.

You may be able to negotiate a cheaper rent by discussing a longer lease with your landlord. Advertising properties and dealing with all the paperwork every six months is an expensive business and landlords build these costs into rent prices. If you agree to stay, two or three years (within certain terms and conditions), the landlord may agree to reduce the rent because it’s easier and cheaper for them.

Experts recommend that a 15% to 20% reduction on the advertised price is realistic and that more than 30% is probably pushing your luck.

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