Rent Isn't Always A Fixed Cost – It Can Be Negotiated

Person signing papers at table
Via Nappy
Shiavon Chatman
June 22, 2021

About 33% of people overpay for housing – and then there are some people who NEVER pay full-price rent! Landlords don’t want you to know that you can negotiate your rent. Here's how you can do so to save some money.

#1: Be prepared! 

Do your research first. Look at the prices of apartments in your area, and whether costs have changed (like because of COVID-19, for example). Look at your budget. Be further in control of the situation by practicing what you’re going to say.

#2: Timing is everything! 

One of the best times to negotiate is after you’re approved but before you move in – or well before your lease expires. It's more cost effective for the landlord to keep you as a tenant than rent to someone else!

#3: You have to give to get.

Give your landlord something in return! Promise to be a good tenant by not smoking inside your apartment or not owning a pet, sign an extended lease agreement for multiple years, or offer to refer reliable friends to the apartment complex.

Landlords have less power than we think – they provide a service and we can negotiate how much we pay for it! Taking control of our expenses by learning proper negotiating tactics can save us money and help us become more self-sufficient!

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