You have a contractual relationship with your landlord.Everything about your lease can be subject to negotiation.While some landlords are more willing to budge than others, using the right negotiating tactics will put you ahead of the game.Depending on whether you're trying to get your rent lowered, change a clause in your lease that you don't like, or renew for another term, the specific tactics you use differ.
Step 1: You can check rental rates in your neighborhood.
You should find out what similar rental units are going for in your area before asking for a lower rent.Focus on units that are similar in size to yours and have the same amenities.You should be able to find units similar to yours with lower rents.You can use these as leverage to get your landlord to lower your rent.You can rent a 1-bedroom apartment for $1,000 a month.The complex rents similar 1-bedroom apartments for $800.If you approach your landlord, you might say "I prefer renting from you, but there's a similar apartment down the street for $200 less."Is it possible to split the difference and lower my rent to $900 a month?Other costs are included with the rent.It is possible to find an apartment that rents for $200 more than yours, but all utilities are included with the rent.That apartment would be cheaper if your utilities are more than $200 a month.
Step 2: Your history as a tenant should be compiled.
If you've been a good tenant, your landlord is more likely to lower your rent.If you haven't been renting from them for a long time, you might be able to get references from other landlords.If you've always paid your rent on time and never had any problems with your landlord, you will be more likely to convince them to lower your rents.If you have a personal relationship with a private landlord, this is especially effective.If your landlord can see that you've been a good tenant, they'll be more likely to listen to you.
Step 3: What you like about your unit should be emphasized.
If you compare your rent to another unit's rent, you run the risk that your landlord will tell you to rent the less expensive unit if you want to pay less in rent.You can tell your landlord what you like about living there.You could say "I realize I could simply rent the cheaper unit, but I've grown attached to the people in this neighborhood and from here, I can walk to work."A lot of the things you might like about your unit are also things that justify charging a slightly higher rent than the other place.If your complex has a security gate, it might justify a higher rent.Try to find things that don't affect your rent, such as the fact that you are close friends with your neighbors.
Step 4: When landlords have a hard time finding tenants, choose a time.
If you approach your landlord during the summer, they'll be less likely to lower your rent.If you approach them during the winter months, they'll be more willing to work with you because it will be difficult for them to find a replacement tenant if you have to move.If your landlord is facing the possibility that your apartment will be empty for several months, this may make a small decrease in your rent seem like a pretty good deal.
Step 5: In exchange for lower rent, you can offer services.
If your landlord usually hires someone to do the landscaping or provide other services and you can do those things, they might be willing to lower your rent.If you know how much your landlord pays for those services each month, you can offer to do them for less rent.If your landlord pays $200 a month for landscaping, you can offer to do the work for a $100 decrease in rent.Your landlord would still be getting the same services, but they would only be paying half as much.If your landlord has multiple units, you may be able to help clean them when a tenant moves out or do other services in relation to the other units.
Step 6: Explain to your landlord how the deal will benefit them.
You can't make it all about you when you're trying to negotiate a lower rent.Tell your landlord what you would get out of the deal.You can make it seem like your landlord is making money by charging you less.You could say that it costs you over $2,000 to rent the apartment to someone else.You're going to have a hard time finding a new renter at this time of year.If you gave me a $100 a month decrease in rent, I would save money.
Step 7: Carefully read your lease.
Make sure you understand the terms and conditions before you sign your lease.If you don't understand something, ask your landlord to explain it to you.If you disagree with any of the clauses, make a note of it.If the landlord has a "no pets" clause in the lease and you have a pet cat, you might want to find out if they are willing to make an exception for your cat.You will not be able to make any changes to the lease after you sign it.If there is anything you think will cause a problem in the future, now is the time to talk about it.
Step 8: Ask the landlord questions about the lease.
You can find out why the landlord has certain clauses in the lease.It's possible that your landlord used a form lease and didn't know the clause was there.Understanding as much as possible about your unit can help you negotiate a better lease.Ask your landlord how long he has owned the unit.You might ask about the previous owners if your landlord hasn't owned the unit for a long time.This may be a sign that something is wrong with the unit, if it has changed hands several times in a few years.Before you sign the lease, do a walk-through of the unit to make sure it's up to your expectations.If you notice any problems, point them out to your landlord.Find out how long the tenants lived in the unit.You can ask your landlord about the previous tenants.This will give you an idea of what the landlord is looking for in a tenant.
Step 9: Make a list of the clauses you want to change.
There are a few things you don't like about the lease.If you ask your landlord to change them, they may say that you're welcome to rent somewhere else.Instead, focus on 1 or 2 things that are important to you and try to make them better.If you have a pet, you may want the landlord to make an exception to their "no pets" policy.It wouldn't be worth it to make a big deal out of this just because you might want to adopt a pet in the future.If you don't like a lot of things, start with the most important and work your way down.If the landlord doesn't budge on one thing, they might be willing to work with you on something else."I realize you're not willing to move on this 'no pets' clause, but what about your guests policy?"My sister spends the night when she comes to visit because she lives an hour away.
Step 10: In exchange for the lease concession, offer something of benefit.
If you have any skills that your landlord could use, you might be able to trade-off for in-kind benefits on your lease.You don't look like you're asking for something for free if you make the offer.If you have good social media skills, you could offer to set up and run your landlord's accounts in exchange for the ability to keep your cat in the unit.
Step 11: The landlord included the clause in order to show respect.
The clause is in the lease agreement to prevent damage to the rental unit.The landlord might make an exception in your case if you can prove that you wouldn't cause the damage.If you want to cover any potential damages, you can offer to pay more rent or a larger deposit.If you want to cover any damages your cat might cause, you can offer to pay an additional $500 deposit.
Step 12: Write up any changes that have been agreed to.
Make sure the exception is included in the lease before you sign it.If the landlord writes the change on the lease itself, you should do the same.A copy of the amended lease is required by both you and your landlord.Both you and the landlord should start the strike-out.Without the initials, the landlord could argue that you struck out the clause on your own.
Step 13: Before your lease ends, approach your landlord.
If you want to stay in your rental unit longer, you should let your landlord know.If they don't want to renew your lease, you have plenty of time to find a new place.Discuss the topic in person.You could say "I've really enjoyed living here this past year and I'm looking forward to staying on as your tenant."Is it a good time to talk about renewing my lease?
Step 14: As a good tenant, emphasize your record.
If you've always paid your rent on time and you have a good relationship with your landlord, he's likely going to want you to stay.It improves your chances of getting a better deal.If your landlord knows that you're a good tenant, they'd rather have the stability of keeping you on than have to find another tenant.It costs landlords to find a new tenant and get a rental unit ready after an old tenant leaves.It's cheaper for them to keep you in the unit.
Step 15: Ask for improvements.
Tenants who renew are often offered incentives by their landlords.If you don't like anything about your rental unit, it's time to ask if it can be upgraded or replaced.If your fridge breaks down frequently, you might want to ask your landlord for a new one.If you've been living in the unit for a while, wear and tear may be an issue.You could ask for a fresh coat of paint in the living room.
Step 16: It is possible to sign a longer lease for a better rate.
Long-term tenants who pay their rent on time are great for landlords.If you sign a two- or three-year lease, your landlord won't have to worry about finding a tenant for even longer, saving them more time and money.If your landlord is willing to renew your lease for one year at $1,000 a month, you could offer to sign a 3-year lease at $800 a monthly.