my small victory ... negotiating a lower rent increase

[shireen]

Sometimes, it literally pays to do a little homework ... :)


OCTOBER 6, 2009
Tenant negotiates a smaller rent increase

Shireen Gonzaga was not at all happy when she discovered -- at lease renewal time -- that the rent for her apartment just north of Baltimore was going up $100 a month. In 21 years in the neighborhood, she'd never seen a rent increase of more than $25.

Renters, take note: She fought back with facts. And won a major concession.

Gonzaga went on Rent.com and looked up the rates -- regular rates, not move-in specials -- for nice rentals near her. Here's what she pointed out to her apartment manager:

Somerset at Towson, she wrote, is advertising 1,170-square-feet apartments for $1,140 and 1,280-square-feet apartments for $1,170, plus it has a pool, playground and extra storage units. Versailles in Towson has 1,300-square-foot apartments for $1,312 to $1,556, plus a pool, fitness center and clubhouse.

...

more at http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/business/realestate/blog/2009/10/tenant_negotiates_a_smaller_rent_increase.html

[Why Syzygy]

1. I negotiated a lower shipping rate..

today. I do a lot of online shopping. One company is a small business. I sent an email that I wanted to order by phone. When he called, I just asked if he could do anything to reduce the shipping cost. It just saved me about $1.50, but it cost me nothing.

And Brava to you! Powerful feeling, right?

[shireen]

3. it's sad.

i was angry when i saw that $100 hike in the lease renewal notice last Friday.
i got angrier when i started comparing rents for equivalent and higher-end apartments in my neighborhood.
then disbelief when the apartment manager called to offer a new lease, less $75/month.

it's another case of corporate greed we talk about so often in DU. i felt sick about being so close to it.

Very sad. :(

[Speck Tater]

2. Yikes! Those rentals are outrageous.

My mortgage is way less than half those rents for a 2bdr + 3bdr duplex on 3 acres of good, flat fertile land. Of course I'm way out in the country.

[shireen]

4. yes, it is outrageous.

and even worse in other parts of the country, esp. NYC and SF.

i don't know how people *live* .... :(

[Ilsa]

5. You are awesome! Good for you! nt