Landlord: I wanted to speak to you before the renewal notice arrives. The rent will go up by twelve percent.
Mara: Twelve?
Landlord: The building’s costs have increased. Insurance, repairs, maintenance. You know how it is.
Mara: I do. The lift has been broken for three weeks, the front door doesn’t lock properly, and the heating in my bedroom works when it feels generous.
Landlord: Those repairs are scheduled.
Mara: They’ve been scheduled since February.
Landlord: I’m not denying there have been delays. But the increase reflects the market, not the condition of your particular flat.
Mara: That’s an interesting distinction. You’re charging me according to the value of a building I’m not quite receiving.
Landlord: You’ve been a good tenant. You pay on time, and I’d prefer not to lose you. I’m willing to discuss the timing of the increase.
Mara: The timing isn’t the problem. It’s the amount.
Landlord: What would you consider reasonable?
Mara: I’d consider the current rent reasonable if the heating worked and the front door locked. I’d consider an increase reasonable if those things were fixed first.
Landlord: I can’t promise every repair will be completed immediately.
Mara: I’m not asking for every repair. I’m asking for the ones that affect whether this place is fit to live in.
Landlord: You make it sound as though I’ve neglected the property deliberately.
Mara: No. I’m saying the result is the same for the person paying to live here.
Landlord: If I arrange the repairs, would you renew?
Mara: If you give me a written schedule for the repairs and a revised offer, I’ll consider it.
Landlord: You drive a hard bargain.
Mara: I’m trying to rent a working flat, not win an argument.
Fiction note: All people, properties, events, and dialogue in this text are fictional.