Taxes go up. Grocery bills go up. Your rent goes up. That's just the nature of life and the cost of living, right?
Not quite.
You're perfectly within your rights to ask your landlord for a rent reduction if you need it. Most people don't even ask for because they don't think they can. But with the right approach and the right information, it's certainly feasible. Will your landlord agree to your terms? Maybe, maybe not. But you have nothing to lose by asking.
So how do you approach this delicate negotiation? Here's a sample letter to ask your landlord to lower rent. Simply fill in the information for sections in brackets [ ].
Download Sample Letter
Your Name
Current Address of Your Apartment with Unit Number
City, State, Zip Code
Date
Landlord Or Apartment Company's Name
Address as Printed on Your Lease
City, State, Zip Code
Re: Request to Lower Monthly Rent Payment
Dear [Mr./Mrs. Landlord's name]:
I wanted to contact you today to ask if we could discuss lowering my rent. I love living here but lately, finances have been difficult and a slight reduction in rent would go a long way in helping.
It's important to me to be a good and responsible tenant. I have always paid my rent on time and in full. I have maintained the apartment in good condition, and I have been kind and respectful to both you and my neighbors. I don't believe you could ask for a more conscientious resident.
I have done my research into rents in the area, and I believe a slight reduction is reasonable compared to what others are paying. After speaking with some of my neighbors and examining rates for similar units in the neighborhood, I have a good idea of what is realistic.
I would like to request a [dollar amount here] reduction of my monthly rent, which is in line with the neighborhood average. I believe this is a fair rate and would help me retain residence here, which is very important to me.
There are also many benefits to you if I stay, including avoiding the expense and hassle of listing the vacancy, readying the apartment for a new tenant, going through the application process and the possibility of loss of rental income while you search for a new tenant.
In exchange for your generosity, I would like to know if there is something I could do for you as well. If you wish, I could pre-pay the first month or two of the new rate, sign a longer lease commitment or extend the termination notice time an extra month or two. I am open to ideas.
I do enjoy living here, but I can save money by moving elsewhere. I am hoping it doesn't come to that and we can agree on new terms. Please let me know your thoughts at your convenience. If you wish to discuss this further, do not hesitate to reach out.
Thank you,
Your Name and Signature
Your Apartment Address and Unit Number
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address
Make a good case and do your research
Be sure you're asking for a realistic reduction in rent and do your research. Your rent versus the going rate in your neighborhood (both in your complex and others in the area) is your key piece of negotiation. Ask your friends who live in your area what they're paying. Canvas some neighbors at the store – it's not impolite.
You have made a good case, and all you can do is ask. Your good track record with the landlord and your research matter. And, if you can, time your request to be within 30-60 days of when you would have to give notice to move out or when your lease is up. If your landlord says no, try asking for a temporary reduction for six months or during rental off-peak seasons.
Your landlord is human and understands where you're coming from. The worst he or she can do is say no.
Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
The post Sample Letter: Asking Your Landlord to Lower Your Rent appeared first on Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.
from Apartment Living Tips – Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com https://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/sample-letter-asking-your-landlord-to-lower-your-rent/
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