10 Unexpected Benefits to Talk About When Signing a New Lease (Beyond Rent)

In the past few years, buying a home has steadily become unaffordable, as has renting: the median US rent in January 2020 was $1,585 and peaked at $2,053 just 2.5 years later. While rental prices have begun to level off, and even decline in some areas, for many this is still a burden.

Stocks and demand have also stabilized somewhat in recent months, with some tenants successfully negotiating lower monthly rents . But if your landlord or property manager doesn’t want to budge or wants to raise the rent on an existing lease, consider asking for these extra perks that can reduce non-rent costs and improve your quality of life.

(Note that you will have more leverage if you are a top tier tenant with a history of timely payments and no damage on your track record.)

Pet Rules

If you pay a monthly pet fee in addition to your rent and your pet has a stellar reputation, ask if you can reduce the fee or waive it entirely. You can also request a refund of your pet deposit to get some extra money in your pocket. And if your landlord doesn’t allow pets or imposes breed restrictions, see if it’s possible to budge.

Communal payments

Are you currently paying an additional fee to access the pool, gym, or other amenities in your apartment building? Ask if you can waive this fee – the same if it’s a mandatory fee for all tenants and you don’t actually use these benefits. If you pay for utilities directly to the management company, try to negotiate this as well.

Updates

If you have aesthetic enhancements or design ideas that are prohibited by your rental terms (such as painting), try asking for the flexibility to make changes. You can also ask your landlord to replace old locks or thermostats with smart versions.

New or additional equipment

Do you have a washing machine and dryer? Assuming there is space and connectivity, ask if your landlord will invest in them as part of the rent. You can also order a dishwasher or replace an outdated refrigerator or stove.

Best Unit

Is there an available apartment in a larger size or with a better view, features or layout? See if you can convert your rent increase to a better property.

Additional storage

If your building has storage space or any space that can be converted to storage, ask if you can use it to free up space in the rental space.

Parking

If you’re paying for a parking space or a pass, try asking the property to offset this fee (or give you a second spot for free if you have more than one car in your household). If your building has permit-based guest parking, ask for additional passes at no extra charge.

Professional Services

Professional cleaning can be a luxury for tenants, as can benefits such as landscaping and window cleaning. Ask if your landlord can pay these additional costs multiple times during the lease term.

Insurance deposit

Some landlords may agree to change the amount of the deposit by reducing it, waiving it, or returning it if you are the current tenant and are renewing your lease. Providing references from a previous lease can help convince the landlord to take this risk.

Free month of rent

Your landlord may not budge on a month’s rent, but you can try to convince them to give you one for free by renewing your lease for a longer period or during a slower period of rent turnover (such as between school years).