Has Anyone Actually Had a Reduction in Rent?

Lcaff3ry on 31/03/2020 - 02:22
Last edited 02/04/2020 - 02:54

So my girlfriend and I are semi arguing about our rent right now. She's saying that our landlord should give us a reduction in rent by 50% due to the current economic climate caused by the COVID 19 outbreak. While I do agree with her that they should probably offer some sort of reduction I don't feel so strongly about it that we should threaten to leave if they don't give it to us.

We signed our 1.5 year lease in December last year on boxing day. I'm working casually in retail and she was also just working a cash job that is no longer available due to the business shutting down. She says that all her friends have gotten a reduction in rent or even rent free due to the outbreak however i'm very reluctant to believe that this is actually true as I've asked my friends and colleagues and even my parents and none of them are getting a reduction in rent. At this stage i'm lucky enough that i'm still working given that I work in Westfield and we are able to still remain open, I know there are other out there worse off than I am being stood down especially in the retail space where casuals are usually the first to be let go. At this stage I still make enough on the reduced hours to pay for the rent which is $500/week. However she is out of work and feels pressure presumably because she still needs to send money back overseas to her parents etc.

My argument to her is that legally speaking we have no leg to stand on despite the pandemic right now. We signed the lease, we cannot break it and if we do there are still terms and conditions that must be followed. She is of the belief that if we wanted to break our contract now there would be no consequences but I do not believe that at all. Yes the government has announced that we cannot be evicted during this time, however you must still follow the conditions set out by your lease am I correct? she keeps arguing that since everyone she knows has received a reduction in rent (wether this is true I can't confirm and I don't believe so anyway) our landlord should also reduce our rent. But as we all know there isn't a legal obligation that states my landlord must reduce the rent this is a case by case basis and while I have asked my real estate agent they said the landlord were not willing to reduce the rent especially having just lost the tenant next door and having lost his job apparently due to COVID 19.

All in all i'm frustrated in trying to explain to her that there is nothing legally wrong with him not reducing our rent. Morally speaking yes maybe he should offer to help us a little bit but it's not his legal obligation.

UPDATE: 1/4/2020

Really appreciate the responses from everyone. It's good to see how everyone's situation differs in these uncertain times. As of today unfortunately our business has also decided to close until further notice with the further restrictions implemented by the government where by people can only be out for necessities it makes no sense to continue operating a retail store till things get back to normal. Today the news while shocking definitely was something everyone in the business knew was coming we just didn't know when. The feeling of uncertainty as we day each day one at a time really is quite scary not knowing when i'll be able to head back into work. I've applied through mygov already for assistance although honestly i'm not sure what benefits will be available to me if any at all as our business has only been operating since 16 December 2019 which probably means I've no chance to get job keeper. First thing I did when I went home was go on seek and start seeing what jobs were available and right now things look very bleak. I have updated my realestate agency with what has happened and they will do their best to help with negotiating with the landlord however if things don't get better I'm probably looking at moving back in with the folks until this whole thing blows over.

Looking back at the time that I have now makes me realise that I want to be better equipped for when we come out on the other side. I went to uni previously but never enjoyed what I studied and so far to this day I still haven't found what I want to study. Hopefully I can teach myself through some online courses basic coding languages and have a more useable skillset when this is over.

All in all I'm thankful for all the responses from you guys in seeing what situation and different perspectives you guys had. I never agreed with my GF on this issue however if the landlord is willing to help then I'll be grateful for whatever he's willing to give as I've said before I know legally he has every right not to help. I don't intent to stay here for free that's just not right but I have told them that with my $2.5k savings left realistically I may have to move out after next month if we can't come to some sort of arrangement. Assuming I become eligible for any of the government help I'm happy to continue living here and as soon as I can find stable work again I'll be happy to pay the normal rate again.

Thanks for all the responses guys and gals.

Poll Options

  • 22
    Yes I got a reduction in rent.
  • 478
    No my rent is the same.
  • 9
    i got free rent.
Home & Garden

Comments

    • kellycarlos on 01/04/2020 - 10:17

      im sure i have seen that the 6months worth of rent would be due at the end of the 6months?

  • ssquid on 31/03/2020 - 13:21
    +1

    How did you get approved to rent in the first place if she had no proof of income?

    • caff3ry on 31/03/2020 - 13:23

      I was on a 60k salary at the time before I changed job.

      • ssquid on 31/03/2020 - 13:27
        +3

        60k salary by itself doesn't sound enough to support a $500/wk lease…

      • spackbace on 31/03/2020 - 13:28
        +7

        Jees, take home around $49k and rent accounted for half that, and her income can't be used for assessment as it's cash. Surprised they let you sign such a relatively expensive lease, compared to your wage

        50% of each pay on rent… ouch

        How can you spend money on 'things'?!

  • TheBilly on 31/03/2020 - 13:51

    No rent reduction, landlord will be requesting a bunch of documentation to prove it and make you jump through similar hoops like centrelink. I.e. what makes people think that they can just request a reduction in rent due to hard ship, when they can't even get centrelink payments on time due to hardship. I would expect that at a minimum when the plan eventually comes out you would have to fulfill the same criteria for rental hard ship as you would for centrelink hardship.

    • darkmoss on 01/04/2020 - 00:56

      because SCOMO said so

  • [Deactivated] on 31/03/2020 - 14:08
    +2

    should threaten to leave if they don't give it to us.

    The landlord would LOVE the threat.

    She's saying that our landlord should give us a reduction in rent by 50% due to the current economic climate

    That's very entitled.

    • Ghost47 on 01/04/2020 - 11:51
      +3

      If she's from mainland China I wouldn't be surprised.

  • bobbified on 31/03/2020 - 15:20
    +10

    All in all i'm frustrated in trying to explain to her that there is nothing legally wrong with him not reducing our rent.

    I would suggest you use protection, otherwise you could later be giving her all your assets, plus pay her rent and then have to pay child support on top of all that! :p

  • [Deactivated] on 31/03/2020 - 16:23

    Is her name on the lease?

  • ddhar on 31/03/2020 - 16:45
    +4

    From a landlord's perspective: I have a high vacancy rate due to the current situation and due to fixing my home loan, I have gained no benefits from the rate reductions for the past 1.5 years. Digging deep into my pockets and being thankful for my remaining tenanted place.

    I would hate to face someone like OP's girlfriend. My finances are stretched as it is. If demanded however, I'd probably capitulate (some is better than none) but only for a short while (a month?). If the demand persists however, I will let them leave. This behaviour tends to invite other troubles and I can't have that.

    • spackbace on 31/03/2020 - 17:10

      Thoughts as a landlord?

    • popsiee on 31/03/2020 - 18:49

      I'd probably capitulate (some is better than none) but only for a short while (a month?)

      Sorry to inform you but if someone plays hard ball you would be giving 6 mths free rent if PM's criteria is met . It will be interesting when its finalized .

    • ddhar on 03/04/2020 - 10:46
      +1

      "So my girlfriend and I are semi arguing about our rent right now. She's saying that our landlord should give us a reduction in rent by 50% due to the current economic climate caused by the COVID 19 outbreak. "

      I have given this some thought. You and your gf need to ask yourselves these questions:
      1. Why should you get a rent reduction? 'Just because' won't cut it.
      2. If you do have a valid reason (job losses and actual hardship), is your landlord in a position to afford the rent reduction? They may also be suffering from vacancies and still having to pay mortgage & bills.
      3. Your gf sending money overseas does not exactly scream hardship. She has cash to spare.

  • Rhubarb Jones on 31/03/2020 - 17:06
    +1

    What is the cost to a landlord in finding a new tenant in this environment (including opportunity cost of having an empty property for a period of time)?

    Many landlords would come out ahead by offering a 50% rent reduction for 3 months to let people get back on their feet.

    • Milk tea on 31/03/2020 - 23:14
      +1

      What if the landlord has to pay the mortgage or relies on the rent money as their income? Also they still have to pay land rates and have enough money for maintenance of the rental property…how about the tenant accesses their super or use the money that centrelink is providing instead…

      • darkmoss on 01/04/2020 - 00:57
        +4

        foolish investment

        • Milk tea on 01/04/2020 - 08:03

          Most landlords must be foolish then ey

        • [Deactivated] on 01/04/2020 - 08:07

          Foolish would be to let people stay without paying rent.

        • ubcool on 02/04/2020 - 10:24

          what investment would you prefer ?

      • Kill Joy on 01/04/2020 - 08:50
        +1

        Landlords choose to take on the risk of investing in housing - tenants require housing. I Can't believe some people cant understand that landlords made their own beds on this one. it Is the governments job to ensure people have the essentials to live - your investment is not essential. Your investment has gone bad - thats why you've been making a profit as a landlord, to assume the risk of events such as now occurring. If you failed to factor this in to your budget/plan well you've been duped into the housing bubble, hopefully a lesson learned. Sell your investment if you cant afford it.

      • Rhubarb Jones on 01/04/2020 - 08:56

        Sure, I'm not saying it's a good situation but there could be arrangements that tenants and landlords could come to so that they can both weather the storm. 50% rent is a vastly better situation than no rent.

        I'm not sure why landlords think they are so unique in these unprecedented circumstances. Homeowners have options to reduce or pause mortgage payments and businesses that have had to cease trading also have ongoing costs with no or vastly reduced income.

        A prudent property investor would have some contingencies should their property be vacant for several months - now would be the time to enact those.

        • netjock on 02/04/2020 - 17:33
          +1

          Well some people's contingency of having a job just fell through.

          Truth is we have no idea what is going on with the landlord.

          People should stop bickering.

          What we do know is between a mortgage holiday and zero rent there is still expenses in the middle. Whether the landlord can cover it is just a guess.

  • spackbace on 31/03/2020 - 17:10
    +2

    My lease is up at the end of May, and seriously considering offering a 20% reduction on the lease for a 6 month renewal and seeing how I go. Can't guarantee the owner will accept, but I guess if they come back with a 10% reduction it's money in my pocket.

    For owners there'd be the looming thought of cost of an empty house

    • [Deactivated] on 31/03/2020 - 18:33
      +4

      seriously considering offering a 20% reduction

      You mean 'requesting', right? Your landlord knows that it will be almost impossible for you to find another place while we are in lockdown, and if you can't move out, you go on a month-to-month at your current rental rate.

      That being said, as a landlord, I would rather review the rent to help out a good tenant who is facing financial difficulties rather than lose them. Good luck with your negotiations. Not that you need luck , with your skill set :)

      • DialIN on 31/03/2020 - 20:32
        +2

        How is it impossible to find a place? We're not in lockdown currently (and the PM is strongly avoiding that position). I'm moving next week and if anything there is more flexibility than ever, especially with tenants playing hardball all you'd need to do is be half reasonable and you're in with a good chance. Private inspections are still allowable from what I understand, and realestate agents are pushing VR inspections quite heavily too.

        • [Deactivated] on 31/03/2020 - 20:46
          +1

          I'm moving next week

          When did you sign your new lease? Was it before the rent moratorium came in effect?

          if anything there is more flexibility than ever, especially with tenants playing hardball all

          Why would a landlord pay an RE to find a new tenant now when the latter can choose whether he wants to pay rent or not and there's nothing the landlord can do about it for the next 6 months ?
          If someone is going to be living in my property for free , I much rather it's someone from the neighbourhood, who is genuinely in need rather than someone trying to game the system.

          • netjock on 02/04/2020 - 17:35

            @[Deactivated]: Or leave it empty to avoid the wear and tear. Or just go there and put on some relaxing music and do some stretching.

            • [Deactivated] on 02/04/2020 - 17:40

              @netjock: I could but that would be selfish . I would happily give the keys to someone who is struggling or even a front-line worker who needs to self-isolate from his family. Basically anyone else other than someone trying to game the system.

      • ripesashimi on 31/03/2020 - 21:13
        +2

        This is flat out wrong. I'm in Sydney. Plenty of properties sitting empty. RE would jump to have any tenant. The rent price has also reduced in my area.

        Edit: just checked there is a furnished 4 bedroom property with 2 bathrooms and car park for lease at only $480/week in a major surburb. 5 minute walk to the station. Plenty of 3 bedroom apartments and houses at $500.

        • [Deactivated] on 31/03/2020 - 21:16

          E would jump to have any tenant.

          RE, yes because they rely on commissions. Landlord, not so much.

          Obviously, this is only my opinion as a landlord. I'm in Melbourne.

        • Ghost47 on 01/04/2020 - 11:59

          What suburb?

        • 91rs on 02/04/2020 - 11:22

          "RE would jump to have any tenant"
          Assuming they have the funds to pay then sure, however if people don't then places will sit empty.
          Then there is the question of if they can keep paying for the duration of the lease.

          • ripesashimi on 02/04/2020 - 16:54

            @91rs: The application process for renting a place is stringent even before this pandemic period. They ask for all sort of things beside the usual 3 month pay slips.

            Dont you think it gets even more stringent now?

            • 91rs on 02/04/2020 - 20:33

              @ripesashimi: Been renting all my life, it's not that stringent, harder to get a credit card sometimes.
              Empty places and dodgy RE's are just out to get a lease signed and get that payment for doing it.
              Lets hope they do their job properly is all I can say.

        • netjock on 02/04/2020 - 17:36

          Empty properties are empty for a reason.

    • mini2 on 01/04/2020 - 16:51

      I'd probably priced this as the lease fee (1.1 week worth of rent?), advertisement costs and you can figure out how many weeks typically takes for your area to get a new tenant then divvy by 52.

  • DiscoJango on 31/03/2020 - 18:44
    +8

    In soviet covid19 Australia, landlord pays you.

  • meoden1005 on 31/03/2020 - 19:03
    +4

    From your story i have a feeling that you get Asian gf. I think she loves your citizenship than loving you. I got an Asian wife, she run away from her family to stay with me.

    • BestofOZB on 31/03/2020 - 22:24
      +5

      To stay with your citizenship you mean?

    • Ghost47 on 01/04/2020 - 12:00
      +3

      Ah the Asian gf from overseas, otherwise known as ez mode.

  • dpark88 on 31/03/2020 - 19:32
    +5

    I'm both a renter and landlord.

    Yes, no legal obligation to reduce rent. Best you can do is ask (which you have done), but that's it.

    I don't agree with your statement that "morally, maybe he should…". Everyone has bills to pay and you just said your landlord has lost his job and the tenant next door. Maybe you/your gf should have some empathy?

    I understand you're doing it tough; we all are in some way. Loading your/your gf's problems onto another individual who's also fighting his own battles is not the answer.

    • whooah1979 on 31/03/2020 - 19:48

      They could move back to their parents until this blows over.

  • jason101 on 31/03/2020 - 20:32
    +5

    Why is the landlord morally obliged to offer you rent relief??

    I can't believe some tenants actually feel they are entitled to a rent reduction. In good times did your GF slip a few extra $50's from her cash job to the landlord as thanks ?

    • netjock on 02/04/2020 - 17:38

      Because the people actually thought ScoMo said "rent holiday"

  • Ironh59 on 31/03/2020 - 20:32
    +3

    Your rent is paying someone else’s mortgage. Even if the bank puts a freeze on repayments, interest will still be calculated and capitalised into the loan. You landlord may also be a working mom and dad family, who bought this as an investment to save for their future. Who knows with the economic slowdowns, they may also be struggling financially. You will be basically reducing their investment income, while they don’t get any relief in interest they are paying to the bank.
    Every case is different. Best is to sit down with them, or your agent and have a talk. You have signed a legally binding contract and even though no one can evict you for the next six month, who knows what it will do to your rental history and credit rating.

    • ripesashimi on 31/03/2020 - 21:06

      What is credit rating in the context of tenancy? First time I hear that.

      • [Deactivated] on 31/03/2020 - 21:19

        Landlords can request a copy of your report to study your credit history and determine your ability to pay rent.

        • ripesashimi on 31/03/2020 - 21:20

          Isnt that a tenant ledger?

          • [Deactivated] on 31/03/2020 - 21:23
            +2

            @ripesashimi: Nope. That is the same credit rating that the bank looks at before approving your mortgage.

            Landlords also have access to a tenant database ( which is probably what you mean by 'tenant ledger') which is a list of all blacklisted tenants. You can get blacklisted for the following:

            • Breaching the tenancy agreement
            • Unable to make rent payments
            • Owing an amount larger than the bond
            • Damage to the property
            • A history of terminated tenancies

            This explains the difference between the 2.

    • Kill Joy on 01/04/2020 - 09:00
      +1

      Investors created this problem themselves - they've inflated renters out of the home owners market, and have made their own decision to invest in housing. This is just a risk that should havee been factored in - and it's not the governments job to protect landlord's investments. Should all share jolders be compensated the 30-40% drop in their share prices?

      • 91rs on 02/04/2020 - 11:26
        +1

        Time and time again people do not listen, this is the issue. Even the wording "your rent is paying someone else's mortgage" is wrong and continues the push for people to "invest" (i.e. overextend themselves in the quest of greed).

  • bmerigan on 31/03/2020 - 21:00
    -4

    If the landlords costs have reduced then it's fair for that to be passed on to you. But you can't expect to be a 'guest' of theirs.

    • [Deactivated] on 31/03/2020 - 21:29
      +5

      If the landlords costs have reduced

      Where did you hear that?
      Banks are not waiving the mortgage repayments for the next 6 months, they are only postponing it for those who request it . Interests will accrue on the amount deferred.

      • bmerigan on 31/03/2020 - 23:40
        -2

        Calm down.
        I said "IF". I have no idea if they have or not.
        How the hell does that warrant a -ve vote?

        • [Deactivated] on 31/03/2020 - 23:40

          I didn't neg you .

    • Trojan on 01/04/2020 - 13:50
      +2

      If landlord costs go up eg interest rate increase, would you be ok with him/her raising it during your fixed term rental contract? Genuine question.

      • bmerigan on 01/04/2020 - 17:46
        -1

        For your example, No. Interest rate fluctuation is considered as part of setting the rental rate.

        But there are things that can happen outside of normality which I think should be considered for an out-of-band change, e.g., financial changes due to covid-19, house burning down…

        • Trojan on 02/04/2020 - 09:24
          +1

          Fair enough. But if the landlord suffered an increase in costs outside of normality such as flooding, tree fell on the house, or house burning down, do you think tenants should have to pay more rent?

          • bmerigan on 02/04/2020 - 21:57

            @Trojan: I think it would end the lease. Then a new lease with a potentially different rate would be started.

            • Trojan on 02/04/2020 - 22:19
              +1

              @bmerigan: Not necessarily. I have rented a house which got flooded a few years ago. We notified the agent and the owner replaced all the floorboards and carpets at the back part of the house (only parts damaged). We did not move out nor have to pay any increased rent. We were still in the initial 12 months fixed lease period.

  • [Deactivated] on 31/03/2020 - 21:22
    +7

    Get real mate…landlord has their own financial commitments. If you don't like renting, save up and buy your own place.

    • Rhubarb Jones on 01/04/2020 - 08:59
      +3

      Yeah, just work harder and get a better job. Have a go, get a go!

      /s

    • 91rs on 02/04/2020 - 11:28

      Why not just have rich parents, I hear that's the easier option.
      If they landlord has overextended themselves with debt they can not service why is this only the issue for the tenant?

  • Hardlyworkin on 31/03/2020 - 22:00

    Our rental agency has handled the situation really well. Offering assistance if we need and advising no fee to break the lease, all without us asking. Our lease is up soon and landlord agreed to go month to month at the same price. Will see how the world looks in a few months.

    • [Deactivated] on 31/03/2020 - 23:37

      Considering you were already hardly working pre-Covid, it can't get much worse, can it? :p

  • Gratt on 31/03/2020 - 22:25
    +2

    I have a Tennant that I contacted a couple of weeks ago and let know that he lost work we would be willing to come to some arrangement for rent. He has been renting from us for over 10 years and is a welder. I can weld myself but avoid it as I am not very good. He is also a fairly good mechanic. So far he is ok workwise. However, I can think of lots of stuff he can do for me on lieu of rent. Your landlord maybe paying someone else to do something your girlfriend could be doing for him or her. If you are after a reduction in rent bring something to the table if you can.

    • [Deactivated] on 31/03/2020 - 23:38
      +2

      Your landlord maybe paying someone else to do something your girlfriend could be doing for him

      What the ?! 😲 I'm pretty sure that's illegal.

      • Gratt on 01/04/2020 - 06:33

        Not suggesting anything illegal or inappropriate. The example I gave is welding. Yes my welding skills are such that many women can weld better than me. Hopefully you know her skills better than most.

        Surely she has other skills than something that is illegally offered?

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 31/03/2020 - 22:42
    +3

    This forum right here is why financial stress is the biggest destroyer of marriages (other then cheating)

    • SnoozeAndLose on 01/04/2020 - 07:43

      I think you should stay right off ozbargain to save your marriageS

  • computer barn find on 31/03/2020 - 23:43
    -6

    Theres a new law saying you can't be evicted during this time and banks are giving home owners 6 months to not pay. The economy has crashed, the game has changed, what was a normal price a couple of months ago is not relevant anymore. Just say you are not paying for a month because you can't afford it. Yes you would be breaking your lease but what are they going to do, if you leave they will lose money, landlords break contract all the time and get away with it.

    Your landlord overpaid for their house, thats not your problem.

  • ozBFM on 01/04/2020 - 02:12
    -4

    Talk to tenants victoria. They will guide you. She is not wrong, everyone I know who is renting is currently requesting rent reductions, or not paying. Most agents are also aware and have canned replies ready to go. The worst deal you will get is free get off contract, the best deal you can get is rent-free. Given this is ozbargain, you should probably try and negotiate with the landlord here.

    Your girlfriend issue if put aside, even you are going under financial stress so I do not think you are wrong in requesting a rent reduction.

  • tomleonhart on 01/04/2020 - 06:12
    +5

    We both got stood down from work and asked Landlord for a rent deduction in the meantime. We've been renting for 3 years and has never paid a day late in rent. So when he said no so we found another place which is 20% cheaper just around the corner and is moving soon.

    I say you vote with your feet. Plenty of empty properties around.

    • spackbace on 01/04/2020 - 14:39

      Sorry to hear :/

      • tomleonhart on 02/04/2020 - 05:30
        +1

        It' ok old man. At least i still have you

    • [Deactivated] on 02/04/2020 - 02:11
      +1

      His loss. Good tenants are hard to find.

      Best of luck with everything.

      • tomleonhart on 02/04/2020 - 05:30

        OMG JAR JAR BINKS knows me ????????????

  • niagraBozO on 01/04/2020 - 07:06
    +12

    My tenant lost their job, they told me they were struggling. I paid their rent for 6 months to the agent.

    • serpserpserp on 01/04/2020 - 08:05
      +1

      Some heroes don't wear capes. You are very kind.

      • niagraBozO on 03/04/2020 - 04:51

        All the years shopping on ozbargain saved me thousands, so I paid it forward.

  • serpserpserp on 01/04/2020 - 08:05
    +2

    OP are you in financial hardship at all (ie. a job loss because of COVID19?) If not, you really should pay your rent.

    I've been hearing of businesses going around and kicking the tires with suppliers/banks etc. to extend terms, get interest relief etc. even though their business has had no impact from COVID19. They just feel like they should "get whatever is going" too. I think that is a really poor attitude and I think if you take your eye off the ball running around as a business trying to take advantage of these small measures, you are likely to experience issues in your business elsewhere.

  • luffyex2010 on 01/04/2020 - 08:06

    Hmmm it must be me eyes….OPs comments post look a little grey in colour. @_@. Mine now look light orange.

    I think this lockdown is already driving me nuts.

  • m34nstav on 01/04/2020 - 09:26

    Rent at my business has been halved for April, May and June as agreed upon by our landlord. Will close for at least 2 weeks as we are a retail food business and honestly not worth the risk operating in the current climate.

    Had the lease with this landlord for 9 years now, never made an insurance claim nor never late to pay so they have been great to deal with.

  • coolsteps on 01/04/2020 - 09:49

    well said i agree. plenty of mom and dad investors out there, so even though they may have landlord insurance that wont kick in for 4 weeks and banks will capitalise the interest which will still be payable and added to the loan if 6 month relief is granted thus the landlord will be out of pocket.

  • sheepzpal on 01/04/2020 - 10:20

    haha i see this topic raised up in so many other forums and chatrooms. If you don't have the money then get out and rent out a cheaper room.

  • CalmLemons on 01/04/2020 - 10:36

    Most rents do not even cover interest payments from mortgages.

    Renting is significantly cheaper than owning a house atm.

    If she is talking about morals, well if the landlord has lost his business, then maybe the tenant should increase the rent payment to deal with the current economic position….if we're going to go along that train of thinking

    Rarely you get that one landlord who has owned the propery since the 1800's, perhaps in this case you can ask an be nice about it, you are not entitled to it.

  • ghostdom on 01/04/2020 - 10:55
    +2

    I gave my tenant for 100 dollar off ( from 600 to 500)per week for three months as one of the couple lost all work hours from restaurant. The couple were quite happy with the offer. The reduction was not needed to pay back later. But I know there are other landlord giving rent reduction while need the tenant to payback the reduction after the pandemic.

  • raptormesh on 01/04/2020 - 11:32
    +1

    Jokes on you OP my rent actually increased.

    :(

    • Gamer Dad Reviews on 02/04/2020 - 19:14

      You must be a really bad negotiator if your lease was up and you couldn't wrangle a rent cut.

      • raptormesh on 02/04/2020 - 23:08

        Increased a couple months ago, alas.

  • H E B on 01/04/2020 - 12:03

    Everyone's situation will be different.

    We reduced ours by 35% temporarily as the tenants genuinely were affected but agreed when they start receiving centrelink payments (likely to be getting $1800+ a fortnight combined or something thereabouts the discount will be decreased to 20% off). In a way the DH felt socially obligated to help those genuinely renting because they can't afford to buy a house and thus were in a less fortunate position. I'm on the fence slightly about this for a myriad of reasons (admittedly some of personal gain) but ultimately agreed as we were luckier to be in a better financial position than someone else who didn't have additional assets or skills to fall back on.

    It's nothing to cry home about but I'm sure it'll help them out and they've been really appreciative of it so I think it was the best outcome for everyone as we calculated with our ongoing bills and the pause on interest repayments it was the best we could afford. Thankfully interest rates are so low at the moment otherwise it'd be a nightmare decreasing rent.

  • edwardye on 01/04/2020 - 12:43

    It is a free market, if your lease will finish soon, good on you, you will get a much cheaper place to stay. if you have a long lease, then you stuck there. Landlords are in the same boat, if he stuck in a fixed home loan, he pays more. those who stay in variable, they enjoy sub 3% rate.

  • cyrax83 on 01/04/2020 - 13:19
    +1

    No, and if you don't like it - leave and find somewhere else to live. You don't need to be staying in a $500/week apartment if you can't afford the rent. The landlord is under no obligation to reduce the rent.

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