5 Tips To Negotiate Lower Monthly Rent On A Two-Bedroom Apartment

If you're looking at two-bedroom apartments, you know that rent has been on the rise. While the average rent in the United States is $1,717, some parts of the country have seen rental increases of up to 50 percent over the last two years. Fortunately, you can use some negotiation tactics to bring down your monthly rental price. Here's what you need to know.

Do your research.

Before you start negotiating with your potential landlord, it's important to do your research. You should know the average rental prices in the area where you're looking for two-bedroom apartments. This way, you'll have a good idea of what you should be paying, and you can use this information to your advantage during negotiations.

Know your timeline.

It's also a good idea to have a firm understanding of your timeline before beginning negotiations. If you have some flexibility in your timeline, be sure to let your potential landlord know. They may be more likely to work with you on pricing if they know they can line up their next tenants well in advance without the need for any advertising or vacancy.

Offer something in return.

Another tactic you can use to negotiate a lower monthly rent is to offer something in return. If you're willing to sign a longer lease, you may be able to use that as a bargaining chip in exchange for a lower rent. An 18-month or two-year lease is more appealing to a landlord than a 12-month lease. Additionally, if you can pay for six months or more of rent in advance, this will also appeal to a landlord, and they may be willing to discount the monthly rental rate in exchange for an upfront payment.

Be polite

When you try to negotiate a lower monthly rent, it's important to remember that being polite can go a long way toward getting what you want. You don't want to come off as confrontational or aggressive. The best way to do this is by calmly stating your case and offering solutions that are beneficial for both parties involved. You get a lower monthly rent, and they get a reliable tenant.

Negotiating a lower monthly rent on two-bedroom apartments is certainly possible, but it takes some preparation and effort on your part. However, by following these tips and using them as bargaining chips during negotiations, your chances are that you'll be able to score a great deal in a tight rental market.