My tenant wants to negotiate

[Ingrid Nagy]

In 20+ years this is my first request for a rent reduction and an educated one at that. Thoughts??

Good Afternoon Ingred,

I pray that all is well. In light of the recent and severe budget cuts to the Education Field in addition to the gradual decimation of school and public libraries, I am requesting a rent reduction of 5% as of July 1, 2010. As you can imagine, the economic and political climate has caused many in my occupation as school/librarians to grow frantic. Such events have also cause me to reevaluate my budgeting. therefore, a $760.00 rent would help me tremendously. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,

P.S.

Please read take the time to read these two items, which are as follows: a website and an email I received recently from my Librarian's Organization (NewJersey Association of School Librarians).


http://savemynjlibrary.org/
NJASL Plan of Action – What Can You Do About School Budget Decisions to Eliminate School Librarians?
Facts:

· NJ School and Public Libraries are under attack.

· The Governor’s proposed budget cuts school funding by $820 million. As a result school library staffing positions are being cut and some library programs are being terminated.

· As of April 30, NJASL has received reports of over 71 school library media specialist jobs that have been cut from 37 locations. This figure is low because some reports have stated “all positions are cut†without including a count.

· In addition, the Governor’s proposed budget cuts NJ State Library funding by 74% ($10.4 million). This cut eliminates online databases (EBSCO), interlibrary loan services through JerseyCat, and delivery of materials.

· There is an existing Education Regulation Code relating to school libraries, but it is not a mandate.

Code Relating to School Libraries

CHAPTER 13: PROGRAMS AND PRACTICES TO SUPPORT STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

http://www.state.nj.us/education/code/current/title6a/chap13.pdf. Section pertaining to school library media services is as follows:
:cool:

[Steve Babiak]

Just my $0.02 here.

Did you ask if she could show her "hardship" more directly, like pay stubs from a year ago vs. now? I assume you have an application form, and you probably on there allow tenants to qualify for the rental so long as the rent is less than a certain percentage of their income, correct? Is her rent still below that percentage?

I agree with your making a comparison based on similar units and the asking rent for those.

You need to have some protocol that you follow in deciding the reductions (if any), so that when other tenants get wind of it, that you can use the exact same criteria on them. And get that protocol written down.