you can ask him, but he doesn't have to do it. at the end of the day you have signed the lease so all you can do is give your notice and move somewhere cheaper. but, if you do that, it will cost money and take a long time for the changes in rent to pay for themselves. if you have a decent landlord (and they are very hard to find!) i would stay put and find a way to manage the extra cost. i have had to pay an excess of �75 a month out of benefits in the past to maintain my home and its not easy, but it is possible. good luck x