Rent Reduction During Maternity Leave

Texalian · February 2014

Has anyone ever asked their landlord for a rent reduction during maternity leave? If so, what did you say? Did it work? My salary will be cut in half during that time, and any little discount during those months would help.

BMaidPlanner · February 2014

I've never heard of this, but I have to say, it can't hurt to ask. The worst answer I imagine you can get is no. If anyone sees a bigger downside, chime in, but if hearing "no" is the worst that can happen at least you tried!

Mztwilson · February 2014

I've never heard of this. I'm curious how it turns out for you

allrightmeow · February 2014

Can't hurt to ask. Fingers crossed.

curlylocks3 · February 2014

I'm not trying to be snarky, but is this a legitimate thing? Good luck though.

hollygb22 · February 2014

i've never heard of it...that'd be pretty nice if your landlord did do that!

I doubt my mortgage company would

Cindy Thomas · February 2014

Hm, perhaps if there were some legal documentation or justification you could get it might work. Doesn't hurt.

Cindy Thomas · February 2014

*Not that giving birth is not a justification, I just mean like how we still have to get paper work signed for maternity leave, everyone can see we are pregnant.

k2k2tog · February 2014

No harm in asking, probably. But, I wouldn't really expect a positive response... DH and I rent out our basement apartment. We do our best to be lenient, accommodating landlords, but we probably wouldn't go for a rent reduction during mat leave. We would possibly open to a rent deferral though.

katekat8721 · February 2014

I'm not sure it's right for anyone to have to "pay" for your choice to have a baby, ya know? It doesn't hurt to ask I suppose, but if I were the landlord I'd say "sorry charlie".

SecondTimeinMSU · February 2014

Unless your landlord is like the grandmother-type who just wants to take care of you and help you out then I'd guess not since they still want to make their money even though you decided to have a baby. It never hurts to ask since the worst they could say is no but I'd have the backup plan about asking maybe if you can reduce for a month or two and make up that amount over the remainder of the lease?

abastian00 · February 2014

Agreed with some of the PPs that this seems farfetched - but if it works for you I'll definitely be trying it myself!!

Sareynoo · February 2014

I've never heard of that before. Is your landlord a family member or close friend? That's the only way I can picture anyone reducing your rent..

rmjones15 · February 2014

You could always save so you would be prepared for the decrease in income.....

ElTrain5 · February 2014

Agree with PPs, I can't think of a good reason for a landlord to just let you pay less rent because you had a baby. I'd stick with savings, short term disability (if you can get it), and any other benefits you may be entitled to. If I was a landlord and someone asked if they could stop paying rent (or pay less rent) because they had a baby I'd be pretty surprised, and definitely would say no. Even when people are injured and can't work they still don't usually get a rent reduction, they sometimes do qualify for government assistance or disability insurance to help cover their bills though, still, pregnancy is not a disability. <font><br></font>

Edit: To say, this is from a U.S. perspective, no idea if that's customary in other countries.

allrightmeow · February 2014

curlylocks3 said:

I'm not trying to be snarky, but is this a legitimate thing? Good luck though.

My sister lost the commission part of her old job which ended up lowering her salary. She spoke to her landlord and she was happy to take less. She said she was so happy to have someone who was respectful of the property living there after the nightmare tenants she had before she didn't want my sis to leave.

She didn't expect to hear yes AT ALL but, she was sure as hell happy she asked.

RedMar · February 2014

Having a rental property, I would kindly say no to my tenants. You have months to prepare for being out of work and I feel they'll believe you're not capable of budgeting your money if you present this proposal.

colllydon · February 2014

I wish this was a thing! I'm pretty sure it's not though.

allrightmeow · February 2014

Let me add that the first proposal my sister offered after explaining her new financial situation was to actively help landlord find a new tenant. She threw out the other thing on a whim like I said fully expecting to hear no. Lucky for her landlord really really likes her and the way she takes care of her place.

k2k2tog · February 2014

Natalie78W said:

Let me add that the first proposal my sister offered after explaining her new financial situation was to actively help landlord find a new tenant. She threw out the other thing on a whim like I said fully expecting to hear no. Lucky for her landlord really really likes her and the way she takes care of her place.

Good tenants can be worth it!

catsinawindow · February 2014

I've never heard of a rent reduction, but there might be some other ways to cut bills. You can defer student loan payments during maternity leave. Car payments and credit card payments may also be able to be deferred depending on your bank.

ahastin1 · February 2014

As a landlord, I would say no most likely. I mean, we have a mortgage to pay. However, if you have a really good relationship with your landlord and you've been an outstanding tenant, maybe there's a chance.

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