Is it possible to negotiate better terms on your lease? It could be worth a try. What do you have to lose? Here are a few tactics to try:
* Ask the landlord how many vacant units are in the building.
* Bring a competitors ad with you when you view the apartment.
* Ask for a “move-in special” if the building is ne or under construction.
* Ask for a two or three year lease (if you need a longer than a typical one year lease) with the current rate locked in for the duration of the entire lease. Be careful of this. Some two year leases can come up for an increase at the end of the first year.
* Point out needed repairs in the apartment. This is the time to mention that you feel that you could live with it for a reduction in rent.
* If the landlord will not give on the rent, then ask for the utilities to be included or new carpet and paint.
Remember that the law of supply and demand does come into play here. If you are searching in the New York or San Francisco area, the landlord will not feel the need to negotiate. But you may find that there are areas of town which are not in the trendy sections of these high demand areas. Take note of how long units stay on the market in these sections of town. Those landlords may be willing to make concession to you for a fast move-in.
