How To Negotiate Rent Increase In 2024?

To negotiate rent increases, the tenant has to be clear that he/she has all the proof to prove regarding their negotiation is valid. And tenant has to know why rent increases annually, what is the standard rent increase percentage, etc. All of this information is available in this article along with 5 helpful ways and tips to negotiate with a landlord.

Why Does Rent Increase Every Year?

A yearly rent increment is not compulsory. 

The increase in rent amount depends on the landlord’s decision.

However, there were cases where property owners takes the advantage of tenants. They increase the rent annually by 10%.

So, below mentioned are the ways you can easily negotiate the rent increment.

What Is The Standard Rent Increase Percentage?

Maharashtra Rent Control Act clearly states that landlords can increase the rent by 4% annually.

You can check-out Maharashtra Rent Control Act 1999 to know the sections, rules, and penalties for renting a property

Whereas, Delhi Rent Control Act states that the landlord of properties with Rs. 3500 as the rental amount, can increase the rent amount by 10% once in three years.

Can You Negotiate Rent Increase On Your Current Apartment?

Yes. The tenant can negotiate a rent increase with the landlord. But not every landlord can get convinced with tenants.

This is because earning a rent amount is a business for the landlord. And he/she will never want to reduce the earning capability.

However, giving it a try by a tenant is a must. 

The below-mentioned are some of the ways and tips that you can follow while negotiating rent increases.

5 Ways To Negotiate Rent Increase

The following are the best and most effective ways that you can use to negotiate a rent increase.

• Provide Your Rent Payment History

As monthly rent payments before the deadline is one of the most important aspects that landlords search for when choosing a tenant.

So, you can use this factor while negotiating a rent increase with the landlord.

You being a tenant clarify to the landlord that you have always completed your rent payment before the deadline itself.

And do mention to the landlord that you have always taken care of the apartment or flat maintenance as well in the past. 

• Compare Rental Prices Of Your Neighbourhood

Do some research to become clear about the current rental price in the locality. And it will also help you to know that you are not providing the higher rent to the landlord.

Interact with the real estate brokers of your locality to know the minimum and maximum rental value available currently.

Knowing the fact will help you in negotiating rent increases.

• Extend The Lease Period

You can also seek the landlord about extending the lease period for 2 to 3 years instead of 1 year. 

This will benefit the landlord in reducing the rental worries for at least 3 years. 

And the landlord can give you a good discount on yearly rental hikes.

• Prove Your Worth Being Tenant

Landlords always expect the tenant to keep the property in well-maintained condition. 

You can also prove to your landlord that you have always maintained the property in a beautiful and well-mannered condition.

You can also seek a rebate on payable rent just by keeping the property in the best condition.

Because the renovation cost will be more compared to rental earnings. And you by keeping the property in good condition saving the renovation cost of the landlord.

• Divide Expenditure With Landlord

You can seek the landlord to pay the apartment maintenance.

This will help you to reduce the monthly expenditure during the rent increase.

You should meet the landlord to discuss the same instead of going through brokers.

You can easily save up to Rs. 5000 to 12000 in an annual rental amount just by negotiating with the landlord.

Tips For You While Negotiating Rent Increase

The below-stated tips will help you to handle the situation of negotiating a rent increase

• Meet Landlord To Negotiate Rent Increase

If you approach the landlord regarding the decrease in rent through email, letter or phone call then chances are high he/she will reply as no.

So, a face-to-face conversation is the best option for you to negotiate rent increase. This tip is for all the needed conversations that you and the landlord should have.

• Collect Needed Documents

Once you have planned to negotiate rent increase with the landlord be prepared with proof regarding the rental price in other properties of your locality.

And also mention the amenities that people of other localities are enjoying with the minimum rental price.

This will stay as a strong point regarding why landlords should decrease the rental price instead of increasing it.

• Know Your Actual Plan

You have to be clear that for what you are negotiating with the landlord.

Let it be the negotiation for a rent increase, lower pet fees, parking space, required amenities, etc. 

So, for each of the things you have to hold a strong point regarding why you are seeking it and whether it is available in other localities as well for reference.

• Be Patient While Negotiating Rent Increase

Many landlords face a situation where the tenant negotiates in a disrespectful manner.

So, you should never negotiate with a landlord disrespectfully. And also don’t be too aggressive or compliant while negotiating.

Instead, you stay clear about what you are negotiating with all the proof and approach the landlord respectfully.

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