Getting a better deal on rent is the Holy Grail for tenants and according to an industry expert, achieving it isn\u2019t as difficult as it seems.<\/strong><\/p>\n LJ Hooker\u2019s head of property investment management Amy Sanderson explains how tenants can negotiate their rent after signing a lease.<\/p>\n Sanderson says building a good relationship with the landlord, through their property manager, is the vital first step. \u201cTo do that, pay your rent on time, every time and look after the property,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n A good long-term tenant at a slightly reduced rate is very attractive for landlords. Picture: Getty<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Being a \u201cmodel tenant\u201d will go a long way towards getting a rent cut, because that\u2019s what all landlords are looking for, Sanderson adds.<\/p>\n \u201cMany investors would prefer a happy long-term tenant, who is reliable in paying their rent and maintaining the property, so they will happily keep a tenant in place, below the market value, in recognition of this,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n There are numerous ways to earn \u201cgood tenant points\u201d, Sanderson explains.<\/p>\n \u201cAllow access to the property when requested, for things like routine property inspections and repairs. Report items that break, as they break, noting that if you broke it, you will probably be asked to pay for the repair,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n \u201cAlso, when you move in, take note of the condition of the property. If there are items you would like addressed, bring them up then. This way, everyone knows exactly what each party is prepared to do.<\/p>\n \u201cTaking a lease and then asking for many items that might not be required to be attended to by legislation, often starts the relationship on a sour note for everyone involved,\u201d Sanderson says.<\/p>\n Once some goodwill is built up, simply ask the question about reduced rent or even request a longer lease, offering security of tenure at a reduced rate.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s face it, leasing a property can be expensive for the landlord. There are marketing costs, re-letting costs, the risk of vacancy and damage to the property during a move.<\/p>\n \u201cA good long-term tenant at a slightly reduced rate is very attractive,\u201d Sanderson says.<\/p>\n On the flip side, it\u2019s also possible to contest a proposed rent increase, Sanderson says.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you receive a rent increase and feel it is too high, you will need to provide examples of recently rented properties that compare to yours to demonstrate that the increase is unjustified,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you end up at a tribunal disputing an increase, you will need to do this, so why not discuss it first?\u201d<\/p>\n
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