18 Feb 2008 04:37:51 | dan the roommate man
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.
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DAN THE ROOMMATE MAN
