Renters are in a better bargaining position than they realize, especially if the landlord is eager to rent out the unit.
Here are 5 things you can negotiate (have more control over than you think) in a lease agreement according to Zillow:
Security deposits
You can counter with a more sensible amount of security deposit if it seems quite unreasonable. Renters, who can offer references and a record of responsible rental maintenance, in particular are able to negotiate for a lower figure.
Pet policies
Some pet policies and fees are negotiable in some situations, especially if the pet involved is small, quiet, and has zero record of aggression. Likewise, if the property only allows a certain size or specie, a savvy renter may just be able to get their Newfoundland in by offering to pay more than the monthly rent.
Access to amenities
Some properties have a pool or a gym and they usually require monthly additional fees. A renter could negotiate to have these amenities included in their basic monthly rent.
For security deposits, a stellar record of on-time payments could earn you leverage as well as providing a list of previous landlords that could vouch for your ability to pay on time.
Parking passes and guest policies
Landlords are usually discouraging their tenants to host a huge number of guests or have strict guest parking rules - but there are ways you can go around it.
If the landlord only offers one parking pass, negotiate for two or three by mentioning that you would like your guests to visit you and be able to park safely and close by.
For an agreement that only allows a limited number of overnight guests, you can assert that this policy will unduly restrict the number of close friends and family who can stay over. Follow that up with a statement that you might just continue with your search. You might be surprised with how quickly that rule gets scratched off the agreement.
Monthly rent
Although that is the hardest factor to negotiate, just keep in mind that landlords' goal is to rent out all units and make them profitable. Renters who have no history of eviction, late rent, damage, civil judgments, or general rental issues stand a strong chance of availing a rental rate reduction.
Just make sure to also consider the landlord's position, and to avoid low-balling as doing this could easily turn the landlord off.
