I’m a Property Manager: 8 Perks You Might Be Surprised You Can Negotiate For
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Levi Leidy
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When it comes to renting, you have more control over things than you might think. It’s true — many of us feel like everything about our rental agreements are written in stone, but that’s not true. GOBankingRates spoke to property managers and rental experts to find out exactly what you have to work with when it comes to your rental.
Here are eight perks you might be surprised you can negotiate for, according to the rental experts.
Flexible Rent Payments
Forget about those old-school rent checks. Ryan Barone, co-founder and CEO at RentRedi, said renters should be pushing for more convenient payment options.
“Tenants can ask landlords to make this process easier and more beneficial for both sides by requesting conveniences like the ability to pay electronically, use multiple payment methods, and schedule automatic payments to avoid late payments,” he shared. Property managers love renters who make payments easy and on time — no matter how they do it.
Credit Score Boosts
Here’s a game-changer that’ll make your wallet sing: ask your landlord to report your on-time rent payments to the credit bureaus. Barone’s all over this one, saying, “Tenants should request that their on-time payments be reported to the three major credit bureaus so they can improve their credit scores.”
It’s a win-win — you boost your credit, and landlords get an incentive for on-time payments. Genius, right?
Tech-Savvy Property Management
If your landlord’s still living in the Stone Age, it’s time for an upgrade. Barone suggested tenants ask their landlords to hop on the app bandwagon.
“If a landlord isn’t already using a comprehensive property management app that offers advanced payment and credit boosting features, the renter can ask them to subscribe to one,” he said.
These apps can make your life easier and your landlord’s business smoother. It’s like living in the future, but now.
Perks Programs
Some property management apps are basically VIP passes to discount city. Barone spilled the beans: “Some apps even offer perks programs that allow landlords to provide other perks to their tenants, such as easy access to high-value discounts from dozens of local and national brand name companies.”
We’re talking savings on everything from groceries to pet insurance. Who doesn’t love a good deal?
Longer Lease for Lower Rent
Here’s where things get really interesting. Seamus Nally from TurboTenant dropped this savings bombshell: “You may be able to negotiate your rent price down a little bit if you agree to a lease length that is longer than what is currently offered.”
Landlords hate turnover more than you hate moving, so they might just bite if you offer to stick around longer.
Lease Length Flexibility
Not ready to commit long-term? No worries! Nally offered some suggestions.
“Negotiating your rent and lease length is actually something you can do,” he explained. “Of course, that doesn’t guarantee that the property owner will agree to make changes, but there is a chance that they might.”
Whether you want to extend or shorten your lease, it never hurts to ask. You might be surprised at how flexible landlords can be.
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