Negotiation script

You say:

Thanks for the proposed increase. I've checked it against the CPI cap, which is 5.4% this year. Your number puts us about 15% higher.

If they say:

Costs have gone up — rates, levies, maintenance.

You say:

I understand. The law caps the annual increase at CPI regardless of those costs. The legal maximum here is R13 702.

Let silence work.

If they say:

I'll need to think about it.

You say:

Of course. I'm happy to renew at R13 702 for another twelve months today.

Stay calm. Data is your leverage, not emotion.