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Guide · Landlords and tenants
How to negotiate your rent when you renew your lease
Asking is reasonable, and the worst they can say is no. Here’s how to ask well.
Start early
Raise it a month or two before the lease is up, before either of you has made other plans.
Know the market
Look up what similar places nearby rent for, so your number has a reason behind it.
Describe, don’t diagnose ›What you might want to sayI’m sure rent around here is cheaper.
Porcupine · A clear, doable request“I’m sure it’s cheaper” is a guess. Listings around $1,550 give your number a reason.
What might land betterSimilar two-bedrooms nearby are listed around $1,550.
Make your case
Your record as a tenant, the market, and a number.
Honest and hearable ›What you might want to sayThis increase is ridiculous. I can’t believe you’d do this.
Porcupine · The behavior, not the person“Ridiculous” and “I can’t believe you’d do this” are about them. Being a good tenant, nearby prices and $1,560 are about the rent.
What might land betterI’ve loved living here and always paid on time. Similar units nearby are around $1,550. Would you consider $1,560 instead of $1,625?
Hear their side
Taxes or costs may have gone up. Ask what’s behind their number.
Understand before answering ›What you might want to sayYou’re just being greedy.
Porcupine · Ask real questions“Just being greedy” guesses at why. “What’s behind the new number?” asks.
What might land betterWhat’s behind the new number? I’d like to understand.
Offer something in return
A longer lease, or taking on small upkeep, can make a lower rent worth it to them.
Us against the problem ›What you might want to sayJust lower it.
Porcupine · Interests, not positions“Just lower it” gives them no reason to. Two years at $1,560 gives them something they want, too.
What might land betterWould $1,560 work if I sign for two years?
Get it in writing
Make sure the new rent is in the renewed lease before you sign.
Before you sign
Rules on rent increases vary by place. A local tenant rights office can tell you what applies where you live.
The common mistake
Leading with anger
A new number can feel like a slap, but opening with how unfair it is puts them on the defensive. A calm ask with a number and a reason gives them something to say yes to.
Respect, even when angry ›If it doesn’t go the way you hoped
What they might say, and what you could say back.
If they sayThat’s the market rate.
You could sayI’ve seen similar units around $1,550. Could we meet in the middle?
If they sayCosts have gone up for me too.
You could sayI understand. Would a two-year lease make a lower number work for you?
If they sayIf you don’t like it, you can move.
You could sayI’d rather stay. Is there any flexibility at all?
Putting it together
The whole message, before and after.
What you might want to sayThis increase is ridiculous. I can’t believe you’d do this.
Porcupine · Interests, not positionsWhy you’d like to stay, what’s fair nearby and a number, with two years on offer. It’s a case they can weigh, not a complaint to answer.
What might land betterI’ve loved living here and always paid on time. Similar units nearby are around $1,550. Would you consider $1,560 instead of $1,625? I’d be happy to sign for two years.
Run a Quills Check on yours
Write what you want to say, however it comes out. I’ll show you if the quills are up, and a version with them down.
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Common questions
Is it okay to negotiate at all?
Yes. Asking is reasonable. Keep it polite, with a number and a reason.
What if they won’t budge?
Ask about something else that matters to you: a longer lease at the current rate, a repair, or a later start for the increase.
Should I mention I might move?
Only if it’s true. It can help to say you’d like to stay, and what would make that work.
Know someone this would help?
Send them this guide. The link shows its title and one of its examples.
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Guides are general information, not legal, financial or professional advice. If you’re afraid of how someone might react, put your safety first and talk to someone you trust (Safety first).