How to Kindly Ask Landlord for Rent Reduction

If your housing budget is stretched to the limit or you've found that your next door neighbor is paying less for a comparable rental, you may feel like you're paying too much for rent. Ideally, your rent should be approximately 30 percent of your gross income, according to "The Washington Post" – if your rent falls outside of these guidelines, you may be strapped for cash each month. Speak to your landlord about reducing your rent; it just may put some needed cash in your pocket.

Instructions

1. Arm yourself with knowledge of the market by researching rents in your area. There are many real estate websites dedicated to property search and rental rates, or look in your local newspaper. Ensure that amenities and size are comparable to your unit. Create a list of three to five apartments. Include the price and square footage.

2. Ask other tenants in your building what they are paying for rent. Take note if they are paying less than you. Inspect the building for the number of vacant units. If the landlord is having difficulty keeping the units filled, he may be willing to negotiate your rent.

3. Call your landlord and request a face-to-face meeting.

4. Politely ask the landlord if he will negotiate your rent to a cheaper rate. Point out your record of payment and longevity in the unit. Reiterate your financial reliability and dependability. If you've been a good tenant, say so.

5. Mention that the market has changed since you took tenancy of the unit. Support your request with the list of comparable, cheaper units in the area. Tell the landlord that you would rather not move, but don't see yourself being able to stay if the rent is not reduced.

6. Offer to sign a longer lease in exchange for a rent reduction if the landlord does not agree to reduce the rent. This is guaranteed money in the landlord's pocket and may be just the incentive he needs to reduce your rent.

7. Offer to pay rent money upfront, if you can afford to do so. Paying six months of rent in advance is a sure bet for the landlord.

8. Offer to be the building's manager or superintendent. You will be on call for repairs and will be the front line for the other tenants, managing the units and renting the vacant apartments, but you could get a substantial break – or even free – rent for doing so.

References

• "The Washington Post": Try to Keep Rent to Under a Third Of Your Gross Income, Experts Advise; May 2006
• Bankrate.com: Tips For Getting Your Rent Reduced; Claes Bell
• CNN Money: How Readers Save Money Each Month
• Daily Finance: 10 Ways to Negotiate Lower Rent; Amy Pyle; June 2010