In this current economic climate when renting in London, can you ask for a decre

[londonon]

I am about to re-sign for another year, should I ask for a lesser amount per month.....any suggestions from anyone? especially from those honest-in-the-know real estate agents out there. This question and the answers might help many, so fess up and help.

[bowtie_teddy]

Not without checking the market.  In some parts of the country rentals aren't decreasing as people are putting off buying properties and choosing to rent.  So if rents aren't falling in your area your landlord is likely to say no.  However it might be worth discussing it with the agent you are letting through.  Bear in mind if you are asking a landlord to accept a lower amount they might end up being tougher in the end with you at the end of the lease over the state of the property as in their minds they've been generous too you and the least you could do is ensure that the property is really clean including carpets and curtains when you hand it back.

[John_SW]

What ever the economic climate, everything is always open to discussion. As to what the climate is at the time and how you handle it, is a matter for you to work out/decide at the time.

Its like so many other things in life....do your homework, enquire/find out what other people are paying for similar properties, either directly or through an Estate Agent..(A friendly neighbourhood Estate Agent can be worth his weight in gold!)

The bottom line is...get bolshy and miss out..... then make sure you have a second fiddle to your bow....

A good tenant is worth a lot of money to the Landlord, especially a long term, good tenant.

However, dealing with the Owner directly is one thing....dealing with an Agent is another....An Agent who normally makes his money on commission, is only honour bound to himself....a drop in rental, is a drop in his commission. Life's a bitch and the times are hard...and getting harder.

Screw the Agent and be a good Tenant!  He's had a good life for far too long.

Good Luck!!!!!!