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  • Inflation and the need for Rent Temperance

Inflation and the need for Rent Temperance

23 Aug 2022

In spite of Bristol’s overheated letting market, some landlords are taking the bold resolution to be considerate towards their tenants. In moderating their rental income, they alleviate the tenant’s burden, secure their rental income, whilst defeating the invisible hand of the free market. Here are successful tales from a changing letting market.

Inflation and the cost-of-living crisis

Rents in Bristol are rising at an alarming rate, and the sense of despair and anguish it creates among tenants is palpable. They are fearful; they say the market is “brutal”, “insane”, “ridiculous”; we hear it every day.

The inflation in essential commodities’ prices only makes things worse. Some tenants are already facing hard choices between food and rent, and in a few months, the rigours of the winter will only increase the strain, potentially forcing more people to choose between shelter, food or heating.

Of course, the government is taking initiatives to support UK households, the Bristol City Council is giving tax rebates and energy companies are helping people in need. Yet the cost of living crisis affects everyone and it is too big for the government to tackle alone; we all need to step in wherever and whenever we can.

The immediate way to tackle increasing rents rests in the landlords and tenants’ hands, in that fragile relationship, that essential yet often disregarded power balance between the one providing the accommodation and the one paying for it.  When landlords and their agents are considerate towards tenants, they take the driving seat of the housing market, making it a humane place. Read below how our letting agency is helping landlords and tenants to make a real change in our society.

The importance of Consideration in demanding times

Landlords and agents have the privilege to decide the level of rents they want to charge, and by resisting the urge to follow the rent hikes, they create a healthy environment for their tenants.

At Rent happily, we encourage an approach of consideration toward the tenants’ ability to afford their rent. As letting agents, we have noticed that when tenants pay a sensible rent, it secures the income to the landlord even during economic crisis. Throughout lockdown, we helped our community face the insecurity -and often the loss of income- with striking results: not a single tenant faced rent arrears.

Over the years, we have suggested different measures to the landlords we work for. They all responded positively, in three different ways:

-        Moderation: landlords being willing to accept lower-than-market rent for their properties, knowing that this helps tenants stay longer in their dwellings;

-        Restraint: landlords deciding not to raise the rent over the years, keeping their income unchanged and thus shielding their tenants from the harsh conditions of a toughening market;

-        Reduction: landlords lowering the rent altogether, whilst offering the same level of service and accommodation to their tenants.

These responses are all remarkable, and we have been honoured to work with such inspiring people who are making a real difference in Bristol’s housing market.

Beside making rents more reasonable for tenants, the above measures also benefit the landlord. In our experience, managing a tenancy with temperance reduces rent arrears, minimizes tenancy void, increases the landlord’s security of income, and ultimately adds some lightness of heart in the mix, bringing care into the landlord-tenant relationship.

We all want to live in a world where tenants have a secure roof over their head and landlords have safety of income, and being considerate is a step in that direction.

Boris Drappier




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  • We have been extremely impressed with the service offered by Rent Happily; they're very prompt and professional when dealing with us or with the tenants and ensuring that we are adhering to regulations. I really wanted to emphasise how great you guys are without going OTT. Surely the best letting agency in bristol!

    Angela and Leroy G. Happy Landlords
  • It is great to know that my property is managed by a reliable team; it is quite simply a huge relief to know that they swiftly and responsibly take care of everything regarding the property and I can thoroughly recommend their services.

    Amy M. Happy Landlord
  • Rent Happily has been managing our properties for seven years now. As a team they are fantastic, whether liaising with tenants, keeping up to date with any maintenance when needed, or making sure that we always comply with any new regulations. When we have tenant changeovers, they have been very quick to find new tenants so any void periods have been minimal. I thoroughly recommend their property management services.

    Caryl and Becky W. Happy Landlords
  • After nearly three happy years renting this house, I now have to leave. I'm so thankful for this time living at the house; absolutely everything has been positive about this experience. Thanks a lot for everything!

    Damaris M. Happy Tenant
  • I have only ever had good experiences with Rent Happily. The team are friendly and helpful, they treat us with respect and I've always felt like they value us as tenants. Not something I've come to expect from an estate agent! Thanks for being the kind of estate agent I am happy to write a testimonial for!

    Zoe R. Happy Tenant
  • The team has been great at communicating with me and the tenants, and they have managed things expertly and hassle free. I have had a consistently high level of personalised service throughout what has been absolutely a superb experience.

    Ahmed O. Happy Landlord