When is the best time to start rent negotiations in London?
The best time to begin negotiating your rent is two to three months before your tenancy renewal date. This window gives you enough time to prepare your case, track local rental trends, and submit a reasonable offer before your landlord sets their terms. Avoid peak rental periods like May to July when landlords are less flexible due to high demand.
Use slow season timing to your advantage. Landlords facing empty properties in off peak months are often more open to negotiation. Consider setting up a Google Alert for your postcode’s rental listings or checking Rightmove trends to spot local price shifts. Acting early shows initiative and avoids rushed decisions. Many London tenants are using this strategy to gain some breathing room as affordability stress rises across the city.
What We Have Covered In This Article?
- When is the best time to start rent negotiations in London?
- Compare local listings to back up your request
- Highlight your value as a reliable tenant
- Ask to speak directly to the landlord
- Use property condition or maintenance issues as leverage
- Send a polite and clear rent negotiation email
- Offer something in return
- What to expect after you’ve made the request
When to Start the Rent Negotiation Process: A 90 Day Timeline
90 days before renewal: Review your Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreement. Note the end date, notice period and any clauses about rent reviews.
60 days before renewal: Start tracking local listings for comparable properties in your area.
45 days before renewal: Draft your negotiation email or plan your talking points if speaking directly.
30 days before renewal: Submit your request. This gives the landlord time to review and respond.
14 days before renewal: Follow up politely if no reply. Begin preparing alternatives in case of a refusal.
Pro Tip: Always back your rent request with three local listings, not just one.
Ehab Barrain
Managing Director at Barrain Estate Agents London
Compare local listings to back up your request
Before approaching your landlord or agent, gather evidence. Use platforms like Zoopla, OpenRent, and Rightmove to find listings that match your property in size, condition, and location. Look for similar flats on your street or postcode that are listed for less. This is particularly important for London tenants, where rents can vary dramatically between boroughs.
For example, “I found three comparable one bedroom flats on Zoopla within 0.2 miles, each listed at 250 pounds less per month.”
This data strengthens your position without confrontation. It shows you’ve done your research and offers a market based reason for your request.
Compare Your Rent Against the Market
Find out if you're overpaying and how to make your case.
Highlight your value as a reliable tenant
A good tenant is worth more than just rent. If you’ve paid on time, kept the property in good condition, and raised few or no maintenance issues, this puts you in a strong position to ask for a better deal.
Remind your landlord or letting agent:
You have never missed a payment
You cause no disturbances
You report maintenance early and respectfully
You have not triggered any service callouts
Many renters in London feel anxious during renewal periods, especially when facing potential rent hikes. Highlighting your track record can help ease those conversations and present you as a tenant worth keeping.
Ask to speak directly to the landlord
Letting agents sometimes push for higher rent renewals to meet commission targets. If you’re dealing with an agency and feel you’re hitting a wall, ask to communicate directly with the landlord.
You could say: “Would you be open to passing this message on to the landlord directly? I’d really appreciate having this considered from both sides.”
Many private landlords are open to dialogue and may take a more human approach to rent discussions. Bypassing the agent (where appropriate) can sometimes lead to more flexible outcomes.
Red flags from letting agents during negotiation
Be aware of tactics that may be used to shut down rent discussions:
“The landlord doesn’t negotiate.”
“We’ve already got others interested in the flat.”
“It’s standard for rent to go up every year.”
“We can’t delay the renewal process.”
“You have to accept this by the end of today.”
These statements can be pressure tactics. You’re within your rights to pause, ask questions, or request to speak directly with the landlord.
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Use property condition or maintenance issues as leverage
If the property has unresolved issues, this can be a fair reason to negotiate rent. Examples include:
Damp patches
Heating not working efficiently
Broken appliances
Poor insulation or outdated fittings
Rather than presenting it as a complaint, frame it as: “Given the condition of the flat and some outstanding issues, I would be comfortable continuing at the same rent rather than an increase.”
Landlords may prefer to keep a known tenant who accepts the property “as is” rather than invest in costly improvements between tenancies.
Send a polite and clear rent negotiation email
Tone matters. A well structured message makes a difference. Keep it professional, polite, and focused on facts.
Example template (formal):
Dear [Landlord/Letting Agent’s Name],
I hope you’re well. I’ve enjoyed living here and appreciate the way the property has been managed. As my tenancy approaches renewal, I wanted to discuss the rental terms.
Based on local market comparisons and my experience as a tenant, I’d like to propose renewing at [current rent or a proposed figure]. I’ve attached examples of similar properties and would be happy to continue as a reliable tenant under these terms.
Please let me know your thoughts.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example template (casual):
Hi [Name],
Hope you’re good. Just a quick note as the renewal is coming up and I’d love to stay on, but I noticed quite a few flats nearby are going for less. Would you consider keeping it at the current rate? I’m happy here and always pay on time.
Let me know either way.
Cheers,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Timing is everything. So if you can then avoid peak letting months for better leverage.
Ehab Barrain
Managing Director at Barrain Estate Agents London
Want Expert Help Negotiating Rent?
Let us guide you through your next renewal with confidence.
Offer something in return
If you’re asking for lower or same rent, offering something back can strengthen your case. Ideas include:
Signing a longer lease (e.g. 12 months)
Agreeing to a rolling notice period
Paying a few months in advance
These add value for the landlord by reducing vacancy risk and improving cash flow.
Frame it as a win win: “I’d be happy to sign for another 12 months if the rent remains the same. That gives us both some stability.”
What to expect after you’ve made the request
Once you’ve submitted your offer, you might:
Get an immediate yes
Receive a counter offer
Be declined
Be ignored
If you get a yes, ask for written confirmation. If it’s a counter, decide whether it’s acceptable or if you want to negotiate further. If you’re declined and unhappy, start checking listings and prepare for next steps.
What if the landlord ignores your request?
If there’s no reply after five working days:
Send one follow up message (keep it polite and professional)
Re check your tenancy agreement for renewal procedures
Begin exploring other rental options in your area
Many tenants in London feel frustrated when agents or landlords go quiet after a rent request. Keep calm, stay organised, and move forward with your options open.
What happens if you receive a Section 13 rent increase notice?
A Section 13 notice is a formal way for landlords to propose a rent increase under an Assured Shorthold Tenancy.
If you receive one:
You can still negotiate informally
You may challenge it at a First tier Tribunal if you believe it’s unreasonable
The notice must give at least one month’s notice and use the correct form
According to Shelter UK, thousands of London renters face Section 13 increases each year. Keeping written records and being proactive makes a big difference in these situations.
Remember, setting fair terms is part of the process. You’re participating in a normal part of tenancy renewal.
