How to negotiate your rent

Step1

Offer to pre-pay several months or even a year. Ask for a free month’s rent in return for pre-paying a year’s rent, or ask for several weeks’ free for making two semi- annual rent payments. Many landlords would find this an attractive offer, and would be willing to give you a few weeks free even if not a full month. Obviously, you want to have a good credit history, and good prior rent payment history. If this is the case, you want to stress that in your negotiations. Statements such as: “I have paid my rent on time every single months for the past four years,” or “I am never late with a payment,“ are music to a landlord’s ears. If you don’t have enough cash in advance, ask that a clause be added to the contract giving you a two percent discount for paying the monthly rent early.

Step2

Ask for a reduction in monthly rent for a longer lease if you are planning to stay for more than a year. Ask for £50 less per month for a two year contract (be prepared for the landlord to counter by adding an additional deposit to serve as a contract termination fee should you not stay the full two years). A two year lease at a lower rate not only saves you money immediately but also protects you from a rent increase after the first year. If you are an excellent tenant throughout the two years, you will be in a good position to negotiate a new contract at the same -- or lower --rent.

Step3

Emphasize whatever characteristics you have that indicate you will be a hassle-free tenant when negotiating your first lease. If true, be sure to tell the landlord that you are “quiet” and an “immaculate house keeper.”

Step4

Paint, plant, and make other improvements to the property. You will generally need the owner’s permission. Drop the landlord a note stating what you want to do. If you are painting, state the color (nothing out of the ordinary) and make of paint (medium to high grade). Ask for a rent credit from the next month’s rent to cover the materials and labor of the improvements.

Step5

Mention you are handy and can take care of small repairs when negotiating your first year’s rent. Promise to take care of minor stuff. Keep track of the small repairs that you handle. Mention these repairs when negotiating the next year’s rent.