Offer of compromise on rent increase
Note: tenancy law changed on 23rd March 2020. All our factsheets are up to date, but sample letters are still under review.
You can send this sample letter when you have received a notice of rent increase from your landlord and you think the amount they have asked for is excessive.
Cut and paste the template letter below or download a copy from the link above. Remember to substitute your details for the details contained in [square brackets].
[Your name and address]
[Date]
[Landlord’s and agent’s name and address]
Dear …
Re: Notice of rent increase at [your address]
I have received your letter dated [date] stating that my rent will increase from $[amount] per week to $[amount] per week on [date].
A rent increase of $[amount] per week will cause me great hardship. [As you are aware, I am on a low income and have a young family. I have always been prompt in paying the rent and have looked after the premises.]
However, I am able to pay rent of $[amount] per week and ask that you agree to this lesser amount.
Section 41(6) of the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 states that a new notice agreeing to increase the rent to a lesser amount takes effect from the date on which the earlier notice was to take effect.
I look forward to your reply confirming that the increased rent will be $[amount] per week, starting on [date].
Yours sincerely
[T Tenant]
