Rents have gone up in all but a handful of cities, and most renters think they have to accept whatever number is dictated on the lease contract. The fact is, only just before signing do you actually have the most negotiating leverage. Vacancy is something landlords don’t want, as are the costs of finding new renters, so you’re in better position than you think.

If possible, negotiating a lower rent while entering into a lease contract allows anchoring savings to a full rental term. Even when the landlord does not bargain over the rent, there is a chance to bargain perks such as free parking, refund of fees, or cosmetic renovations benefiting your lifestyle. Knowing what to do and going through the routine confidently and with preparations makes all the difference.

Why the Best Time to Negotiate is Before You Sign

For many future renters, the question is, do you negotiate rent before signing lease agreements? The short answer is yes, and it’s typically best to do so. After leases are signed, your rent becomes fixed, and your negotiating power disappears. Before signing leases, landlords are faced with a very different set of situations.

An unoccupied unit costs money every single day. There are still mortgage, utilities, and maintenance to pay, even when there’s no income coming from rents. On top of that, there’s advertising, viewings, and screening out possible renters, all of which consume time and money. For all these reasons, many landlords are happy to take a small compromise just to prevent having a unit vacant for months.

This is why negotiating with landlord beforehand over the subject of rent before the lease agreement is signed is not only possible but standard. He or she knows the tenant is going to inquire, comparison-shop, and maybe request modifications. Knowing the basics of negotiating over rent, then, during this time your best likelihood of reaching an agreement mutually satisfactory happens.

How to Prepare Before Negotiating Rent

If your goal is to negotiate your rent prior to signing the lease agreement, the first and foremost step is preparation. The landlords are more likely to accommodate changes when they are given solid facts instead of indefinite requests.

Start with research on comparable rentals in your area. Visit houses or apartments of comparable size, location, and amenities, and pay attention to how long they’ve been out there. If a house or apartment has been out there for a while, it’s a strong indicator that the landlord is willing to negotiate the price.

It also offers insight into overall trends in the marketplace. National trends in rents from Zillow’s rental marketplace data are able to reveal whether rents in your area are rising or slowing down. Quoting from this sort of data adds credibility to your negotiating and shows your request has data backing it, not just your preference.

Finally, strengthen your position through being a stable tenant. Proofs of stable income, positive rental history, and referrals can persuade a landlord to reduce the rent to an extent as they are confident of stability. When combined with proper research, the appropriate profile as a renter makes signing the lease agreement more easy at a improved rate.

Step-by-Step Guide to Negotiating Rent Before Signing a Lease

It’s scary to negotiate your rent, but it’s simpler when done step by step. This is how to do it before signing anything:

Step 1: Ask Before Signing
Discuss rent negotiations in advance. The conditions are established after the lease has been approved, so there’s never a better time to discuss it than after the approval but before signing.

Step 2: Open with Questions
Do not start with a demand but ask perceptive questions like, “Has the unit been out there long?” or “Is the rent negotiable?” These requests indicate interest but also give the landlord room to clarify their position.

Step 3: Present Your Case with Data
Show that you’ve done your research. Refer to comparable rentals and say something about the unit’s age on the market. This demonstrates your request is based on fair market value rather than personal taste.

Step 4: Offer Trade-Offs
If the landlord is not willing to compromise on lowering the monthly rental, also suggest trades such as signing a longer lease or moving in promptly. Such compromises reduce turnover costs, so landlords are more willing to negotiate.

Step 5: Follow Up in Writing
Always check what you’ve agreed in writing. A short, polite email outlining agreed terms forestalls misunderstandings and provides proof should questions arise later.

Following these steps makes negotiating rent with landlord prior to signing of lease easier and much more successful without being stressful. It is never about confrontation but an agreement of give and take on both ends.

Mistakes to Avoid When Negotiating Rent Before Lease Signing

Even with preparation, renters sometimes make a mistaken move that reduces their leverage. Skipping past these pitfalls will keep the focus on track and boost your chances of success.

Waiting Until After Signing
One of the biggest mistakes in negotiating rent before signing leases is waiting until the lease is finished. At such a time, your leverage is gone. Always raise the issue before committing.

Being Too Aggressive
It’s wonderful to be confident, but being overaggressive can backfire. The landlords want respectful and cooperating tenants. Being overbearing could cause them to refuse your request or choose another tenant.

Not Supporting Claims with Data
Merely requesting a discount without producing evidence does not usually succeed. Landlords are more receptive when you point out similar listings or remark on the length of time the unit has been empty. Statistics substantiate your demand.

Overlooking Alternatives
Some renters are so intent on lowering monthly rent they forget to negotiate perks like utilities paid, parking, or fees waived. Perks like these save just as much in the long run.

Compromise is what negotiating is all about. If you avoid these frequent pitfalls and highlight respectful, carefully considered requests, you’ll mark yourself out as the kind of tenant landlords want. For more information, read our guide to mistakes to avoid when negotiating your rent.

Final Thoughts

It’s best to negotiate the rent before signing a lease agreement. landlords expect these talks, and with adequate planning, you’ll generally find yourself able to reduce your monthly outlay or receive valuable amenities that lessen the affordability of your future home. Through research, avoidance of expensive potholes, and respectful negotiating strategies, you position yourself as the ultimate tenant with whom to do business.

Remember, learning how to negotiate lowering your rent before signing your lease contract is all about coming to an agreement on a midpoint and never going over the limit. Time spent here can translate over the full term of your lease contract on savings.

If you are ready to present your request in writing, go through our collection of rent negotiation letter samples to help with writing a professional and effective communication.