So I assume its typical to have your rent raised annually, but I've never lived anywhere for more than 12 months, so I wouldn't know firsthand.

That said, I would figure its less prevalent in this economy. But my rent is scheduled to jump about 50 bucks next year. Not astronomical, but hey, thats 600 over the course of the year.

My complex has a lot of open units and its evident that there isn't a huge demand for units right now. Is is acceptable to try to negotiate a lower rent ? I've been pretty much a model tenant, save for a few noise complaints. I don't know if its standard to just accept the increased rent or to try to keep it at its current level.

I guess there's no harm in broaching the subject with management; I just don't want to come across as a shylock if there's no precedent for this. Thanks in advance for any advice.

11/2/2009 3:29:21 PM

its completely acceptable for you to negotiate that, just stay away from ultimatums if you like living their and not having to swallow your ego

11/2/2009 3:32:38 PM

Here's what I said when they tried to go up on rent on my apartment:

Quote :

"I pay my rent well ahead of time each month and I'm not sure if the increase on price is necessary with respect to other apartments in the area that are for rent."

The came back down on the price. If you pay your rent on time and they have open places they are not going to want to see you leave and go somewhere else.

11/2/2009 3:49:24 PM

It's pretty standard. Most people would rather pay an extra $50 a month than deal with the hassle of moving.

11/2/2009 3:52:40 PM

Thats where I stand. I'll pay the higher rent if they won't budge, but I'd like to think I have a little leverage.

11/2/2009 3:54:23 PM

Id say this is one of those are you willing to move over it... Everytime rent increase is brought up to me I simply say if my rent is going up I am moving Im only living here because of the low price I am paying. Needless to say my price has remained the same since the day I moved in. The difference is that if they indeed try to call me thinking Im bluffing then I will indeed move.

11/2/2009 3:56:26 PM

Quote :

"...Is is acceptable to try to negotiate a lower rent ?..."

It is acceptable and I would even encourage it. The worst that can usually happen is that they'll say no. Most landlords will do what they can to keep a good tenant. In my experience, annual rent increases are usually less than 10%. It will be helpful to know what rates they're offering new tenants.

11/2/2009 3:56:59 PM

you can negotiate, assuming you pay in full and on time, every time. just be polite.

my rent has only gone up $10 in 3 years

[Edited on November 2, 2009 at 3:58 PM. Reason : .]

11/2/2009 3:57:09 PM

Roll in there classy as hell, and roll out with a reduced rent amount. I've done this twice. Just kill them with kindness and class.

11/2/2009 4:00:19 PM

If you don't A-S-K, you don't G-E-T...

11/2/2009 4:11:56 PM

lol...You don't seem like the type of person who would have to ask about this. Of course the rent increase is negotiable. Just call them and remind them that you pay your rent on time and you're taking care of the place (I'm assuming you do.) Tell them that a raise in the rent would be sufficient reason for you to look for another housing arrangement. Ask them if they really want to risk losing you, a good tenant, and dealing with loss of rent while the place is cleaned/advertised just to make an extra six hundred bucks this year. If they are true business people they'll back down. Nobody is going to risk losing 2-6 weeks of rent (depending on how long it takes them to prep the place and get it rented out) or taking in a shitty renter who defaults and has to be evicted to make an extra six hundred bucks.

I successfully did this several years in a row when dealing with Rhyne Rentals here in Raleigh. By the last time they did it I just called in, acting like it was an annoyance that they were still bringing this subject up, and told them to quit acting childish and stop trying to raise my rent. They were like "you're right, lol" and let me be.

[Edited on November 2, 2009 at 4:18 PM. Reason : l]

11/2/2009 4:14:02 PM

My landlord tried to up my rent by like $50-$75 per month

I told him I would rather go ahead and buy a place to get equity than pay that

Now I pay the same amount as I have been paying, and I get permanent month-to-month lease status

ftw

11/2/2009 5:09:58 PM