Finding the perfect rental can feel like a never-ending battle. Maybe you’ve spent months finding a three-bedroom within your budget or a rental with a fenced-in yard for your pet. On the other hand, perhaps you’ve already found that perfect place and are thinking about renewing your lease.
Regardless of if you’re still in search mode or are happy with where you’re at, we think that every good tenant should be able to negotiate with their landlord to get the most out of their space. While the perks of negotiation aren’t always a reduced rent price, here are a few upgrades you can ask for that you might be able to get.
1. Yard Maintenance
If you’re not a weekend warrior who loves to get out and mow the lawn every Saturday morning, asking your landlord about yard maintenance might be in your best interest. When it comes to attending to greenery, not all of us have green thumbs, but that doesn’t mean we should forgo every property with a large front and back yard. Ask if there’s any chance to throw in weekly or bi-weekly yard maintenance for the current rent price. Or consider paying more for rent if such a service would benefit you and the property owner.
2. Aesthetic Upgrades
If you’re someone renewing their lease, there’s something about the rental space you love. That doesn’t mean that there isn’t also a mental list of things that you’d be more than happy your landlord changed. For example, suppose you’ve been a reliable and responsible tenant. In that case, it’s within reason to ask for some aesthetic upgrades to your place before you renew a fixed lease.
Suppose your landlord is looking to raise the rent price in the upcoming year. In that case, this may be time to bring up that running toilet, the old sink faucet you’d like replaced, or even discuss getting smart home upgrades for heating and air conditioning.
3. Professional Cleaning Services
Sometimes renewing a lease or negotiating on rent price is non-negotiable. But if the space is suitable, ask your landlord about a cleaning perk or other at-home services. If you’re renewing, ask your landlord if they can have someone professionally clean the carpeted areas throughout your home. Like we mentioned earlier, even ask to have a landscaper come in to do some professional lawn care.
4. Permission to DIY
Not every renter is a “do-it-yourself” kind of person, but for those that are, don’t be afraid to ask your current or future landlord how they feel about you taking on a project. If you’re dying to paint a room or build some above-ground planters in the backyard, your landlord might be happy to let you do so.
Appliances
If you’ve ever thought an apartment, our townhome on your shortlist was just about perfect—except for the appliances—it still might be worth looking into renting the space. Often, a property manager or landlord may be willing to update appliances based on your lease’s length and rent rate. It’s always worth a discussion if the space is ideal.
5. The Length of Your Lease
It isn’t easy to find great tenants, so it might benefit your wallet if you are one. Many renters are afraid to talk money with their landlord, but you can make this tricky conversation worth their while. For instance, you can offer to sign a longer lease—think 16 or 24 months rather than the standard 12—if they’re willing to reduce the monthly rent. Landlords effectively lose money every week or month they search for new tenants. If you plan on staying a while, it’s a win-win scenario for both the tenant and the landlord.