Monthly Rent

[milly143]

Sorry, again I'm not sure where the best place for this is.
My Dad and I rent our house privately from my sisters partner. We will have been there 1 year next month and are very happy so will be staying. I have a small predicament though. I started a job as a lettings negotiator on Saturday and noticed that 3 houses down my road, all exactly the same as ours, unfurnished but with white goods and newly fitted kitchens and bathrooms are getting �625 per month. The ones without white goods are �600. When we moved in, there was a newly fitted kitchen but we had all of our own furniture and white goods. The bathroom is very dated. We currently pay �700 a month for our house. I'm wondering whether I should say anything to my sisters partner about that fact that we seem to be paying more then the average or if I should just keep quiet as we are happy in the house.

[koamu05]

Hi, not really an answer but an observation; Depends on how well you get on with your sister's partner and how well you know him. If you feel he is the sort to not take offence then there is no harm in bringing up the subject. I assume he knows what you are doing for a living and therefore if he is knowingly asking over the odds then he might expect to be challenged over it. If he's a reasonable sort then he will be aware you are in the best position to know the 'going rate.' Good luck.

[Scarlett]

I think you should say something. I wonder how much your sisters partner is actually paying in mortgage. It certainly isn't going to be �700 a month- that is excessive, so either way, they are making a profit from you. I would tell her what you have told us. Just drop it into conversation, saying "Interestingly, three houses down our road have come up for rent with new kitchens and bathrooms etc, - guess how much they are asking for them?". Hopefully she will guess, and guess �700. Then you can say "Actually no, they're only �600!". You don't need to say anything after this- I would hope her conscience would sort it out with her partner.

[Ward-Minter]

Why don't you just move downthe road? Busisness and family sadly never mix.

[PatriciaH]

If you are able to financially, i would consider buying property instead of renting,I would definatly mention to sis though as scarlet said - good luck

[milly143]

Thanks for your answers. Sadly buying isn't an option for either of us. My Dad was declared bankrupt a few years ago and I just don't have the money to do it (especially not around here). Also, after having moved house several times in the last few years, that's the last thing we want to do again and I think it would cause hard feelings between us. I shall try and raise the issue with my sister. Thanks again!

[peterd]

I would definitely say something, just word it like Scarlett sayd though. It's gonna bug you if you don't. You never know he may negotiate a reduction with you. If you don't ask you don't get as my mum always tells me

[roverkim]

I would defently mention something to your sister,as at the end of the day family are ment to help you not rip you off if not consider moving out, somewhere cheaper.I live in a rent unfurnished 3bed house my rent is 440a month.