Seattle remains one of the most expensive rental markets in the nation with more people being priced out, but you could be leaving money on the table by not negotiating with your landlord.
Andrea Mizer is a landlord who has no problem with negotiating rent with her tenants.
“We've taken less than market value in rent for many years because we've appreciated the quality tenant that we've had and we know them, and we trust them and they've taken exceptional care of our properties and that's worth a lot,” said Mizer.
Character and integrity mean a lot when you’re living in someone else’s home..
Signing a longer lease can also work in your favor because your landlord won’t be at risk of an unoccupied unit.
People who’ve bargained for their rent share the proven methods you can take to keep more money in your pocket each month.
Here are some strategies:
Offer to sign a two or three year lease. It saves the landlord the headache of sprucing up the place every year and finding a new tenant.
Another idea: Offer to do minor chores or make improvements.
Another tip: Find rentals with comparable rates, and ask your landlord to match it.
And finally, sell yourself as a great tenant.
If 10 other people want that same place you will have a better shot if you think about it like a job interview: wear your best outfit, think about hair, and makeup.
Zillow says there is a good time of year to negotiate: if you can't wait, do it in May — instead of the peak summer months or — if you can wait, try September when kids are back in school when demand is lower and you have less competition.
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