How to Make Your Landlord Lower the Rent

Negotiate your way to an affordable rent payment

Landlords typically increase rent payments each year to stay competitive with the local market. But sometimes, rent increases can create a financial burden. Rather than move out of your rental home or apartment because you can't afford a rent increase, talk with the landlord to see whether he will lower the monthly rent.

Instructions

1. Schedule an appointment with your landlord to discuss your economic situation. Take a chance and ask your landlord not to increase your monthly rent payment, or increase your rent by a lesser amount. For example, instead of your landlord increasing your rent by $85 a month, he might agree to only increase payments by $45 a month. Explain that you can't afford an increase. Be ready to show documentation to support your reason, such as a copy of your pay stub and list of monthly expenditures.

2. Agree to a longer rental lease. If asking for a lower rent doesn't produce desirable results, negotiate and propose signing a two-year rental lease agreement to reduce your monthly rent. Read the new lease and look for a clause stating that your landlord will not increase your rent for at least 24 months.

3. Take care of maintenance around the house or apartment. Rather than call your landlord to change the air filter, fix a leaky faucet, unclog a toilet and make other minor fixes in the unit, agree to handle these repairs yourself in lieu of a lower monthly rent. Establish an agreement with your landlord that describes the maintenance that you're now obligated to handle.

Tips & Warnings

• If nearing the end of your rental lease and you're considering moving into a new place, use this as an opportunity to negotiate with your landlord. Mention that you're thinking about leaving, but will consider staying if the landlord reduces the rent. If the landlord is struggling to keep units filled with tenants, he may accept your agreement and offer a cheaper rent.

References

• Bankrate; Want a Lower Rent? Think Like a Landlord; Aviya Kushner; March 2006
• Washington Post; When Seeking a Lower Rent, Be Confident and Cool; July 2005