How To Negotiate Changes To a Rental Lease

There are instances where you need to make some changes on your rental lease for a couple of reasons. These reasons may include changing your pay dates or  you need to counter rent increase or you need to end your lease early. Whatever reasons you may have, you need to have serious negotiating skills to get the results you want in a positive manner.

Amount of Rent

If you feel you're being charged more than you should, you can talk with your landlord in a calm demeanor stating that there is a place near your rental that you can get for a lower amount but with the same features but add that you like your place better if only he can lower the rent a bit. You can also add that if he lowers your rent you'll be taking very good care of the unit.


Length of Lease

You need to state a valid reason why you want to get out of the lease in the first place. Point out if the place is uninhabitable like there is  an infestation of mold or the place is situated in an accident prone area. Getting out of a lease is easier if the causes you will state are true and sensible.

Pets

Say you moved in the month before and you didn't have any pets with you but now you got charmed by a cute labrador puppy from the shelter and you just need to take him home but there are no dogs allowed in the building, so now what? Bring your landlord his favorite whiskey and some grilled cheese sandwich to go with that. Politely ask him if he could consider you bringing home a well-behaved, well-groomed, good-smelling and quiet pet. Just make sure you follow through lest you want him to kick your puppy out.

Yard Maintenance

Many rentals include these services in the amount of your rent but if you don't mind doing some dirty work just so your landlord will lower your rent, you can come up with a good deal with him. You can ask if he can lower the rent in exchange for a weekly pool maintenance or a hallway sweep.

Painting

If your landlord insists on a particular color of paint that you actually despise, try bargaining with him. Assure him that when your moving out, you will repaint the walls of the color he likes to put.
Re-assure him that there is no need to worry because he can check before you move out if you've done your part. This way, you can have him paint the walls with the color you want.