4 Tips For Negotiating a Better Rental Agreement

Renting is hard. It’s easy to get lost in the length and language of rental agreements, but it’s important not to get discouraged when that happens. Rental agreements are fundamental documents that lay out the details of your tenancy, so when you’re ready to negotiate their terms, give them the attention they deserve with the help of these tips.

Research the Property

Like prepping for a job interview, make sure you know about the property you’re negotiating. Research the market so you know a reasonable price to ask for (and to expect). Read up on comparable properties in your neighborhood so you can use them as references during the rental discussion. There are resources that can help here, including online rent indexes that list comparable prices and vacancies for major cities.

Research the Landlord

As a tenant, you’re in partnership with your landlord, so get to know them. Look at other properties they own to see those rental rates. The more prepared you are (to a reasonable degree but leave off the Facebook stalking), the more comfortable you will be while negotiating. And remember that negotiations are two-sided; so try when you can to consider what both parties will get from the deal. Be ready to compromise.

Read the Contract

It’s worth repeating, even though it sounds obvious. But rental contracts need to be read, and read carefully, so that you know what rights you have as a renter, and what responsibilities are yours (versus your landlord’s). Have a lawyer, or a law-minded friend, read over the contract if possible. And when negotiating changes to an already existing agreement, be sure you write them all down and both you and the landlord initial them, on each copy of the contract. This ensures the changes are legal and binding.

Rent Isn’t The Only Negotiable

Rent isn’t the only element of your tenancy that you can negotiate. If the landlord is unable or unwilling to lower the rent, even after you’ve done your research and asked for a reasonable decrease, you can address other aspects. Look at landscaping, or maintenance of the unit. Perhaps you can do a little yard-work to offset some of your other costs. Think creatively.

Approach your rental agreement negotiation with respect and preparation and you’ll be well on your way to a better contract. If you have any questions or concerns, give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253. I know your neighborhood and will be able to help you negotiate.

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39724 N Rolling Green Way Anthem, AZ 85086

$589,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,815 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6744991

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is located in the highly sought-after Anthem Parkside community! Boasting a detached 240 sq. ft. casita with a private entrance - perfect for guests, a home office, or a gym. Inside, you'll find stylish tile flooring with plush carpeting in all the right places. The large primary bedroom features an ensuite bathroom with double sinks and ample closet space. A versatile loft area offers additional living space or a playroom. The 2-car garage provides plenty of storage, and the home is part of a vibrant community with top-notch amenities including parks, pools, and trails. Located in the heart of Anthem, this home offers both comfort and convenience.

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4602 E Monte Way Phoenix, AZ 85044

$589,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,735 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6682751

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Price Reduction!!! Excellent Golf Course Lot has the views but far enough away to be private & very few if any golf balls*Corner lot*Mountain Views*Home is a block away from South Mtn Park*Private In Ground Heated Spa*Multiple Patio Areas*Wood Shutters*Tile Floors Through-out*Vaulted Ceilings*Newer Heat Pump*Split Bdrm Plan*3rd Bdrm Can be Den or Bdrm*Nicely landscaped*Community pools & spas*

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20038 N 21st Street Phoenix, AZ 85024

$589,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,784 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6687430

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come see this beautiful 4 bedroom, single level home with a pool in a quiet hidden alcove neighborhood in north Phoenix. This home features: plank tile flooring, quartz countertops in the kitchen, a 3 car garage, NO HOA, full length rear covered patio, pebble tec swimming pool, ceiling fans throughout, newer windows, updated fixtures throughout, dual sinks in both bathrooms, a nice open & flowing floor plan, vaulted ceilings, & brand new hot water tank (2024). This neighborhood is extremely quiet, with gorgeous mountain views, easy access to the 101, & has a lot of great restaurants and shopping close by (Costco is up the street, multiple public parks, Desert Ridge shopping & restaurants). Also close by is the Arrowhead Mall area, Westgate shopping & Arizona Cardinals stadium. NO HOA!!

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20830 N 98th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85382

$589,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,828 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755466

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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298 W Tulsa Street Chandler, AZ 85225

$589,900

5 Beds

3 Baths

1,626 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782769

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fully remodeled and permitted home redone from studs, all new underground plumbing, new electrical, new gas lines, new meter, new flooring, new showers, bathrooms tile, new kitchen white shaker cabinets and quartz countertops, guest house features kitchen and bathroom and laundry room, studio apartment can use as a rental and or mother in law suite, this home features a nice backyard with RV gate no HOA, 2 carport, and new ac's and new roof, all new insides paint drywall and many more. Come see this 4 bed 2 bath home and casita before its gone!

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11667 W Luxton Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$589,900

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,937 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6741312

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore Alamar! A community where neighbors become friends & friends become family! Downstairs you will find 2 primary bdrms w/walk in closets & private baths. Main primary has generous custom closet space. Flex room w/built in desks for everything from homework to zoom meetings! Chef's kitchen features built in gas oven, 36'' cooktop & generous center island. The view through the 16' glass doors brings you a yard w/entertaining in mind. 2 gas stubs to add a BBQ & fire feature. Solar has offered savings on the electricity. Alamar features well thought out parks for grilling & playing-4 around this home alone. Enjoy the community pool & BBQ ramada at Haymoon Park. Head to Alamar park for pickleball, fishing, outdoor exercise area, splash pad & 2 dog parks. Come live in ALAMAR!

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12826 N 29th Street Phoenix, AZ 85032

$589,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,545 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6715302

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to a meticulously renovated sprawling ranch home where no detail has been overlooked. This home has undergone a comprehensive transformation! Upon entry, you're greeted by new waterproof flooring that extends throughout. Natural light floods the interior through newly installed energy efficient dual pane windows. New custom windows & coverings combined style w/ functionality. The fully remodeled kitchen, featuring new custom Thomasville shaker cabinets, Quartz countertops & designer backsplash. Equipped w/ top-of-the-line LG appliances including a fridge, stove, dishwasher, & in-drawer microwave. The primary bath has been completely reimagined to offer a luxurious retreat, while an additional bath off the hallway is also fully renovated. Private pool just in time for summer!

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13333 W Chapala Court Sun City West, AZ 85375

$589,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,143 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6764055

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Popular Encanto Model with foyer and large great room. Beautiful granite and stainless steel kitchen. 3'' wood shutters throughout. Extended den with closet and door. Extended depth garage. Oversized fully landscaped and irrigated lot. Corte Bella offers a relaxed, luxury feel including newly renovated restaurant, complete athletic facility including day spa and huge community pool. Come live the Corte Bella lifestyle!

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4941 Saddle Blanket Circle Happy Jack, AZ 86024

$589,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,531 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6682510

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Are you ready to escape the heat and bring your horses with? This is the home for you. Almost an acre and a half with great corrals, tack shed ,horse wash area, and so much more. This beautiful log sided cabin/home is decorated for the horse lover and comes completely furnished. It has been taken care of and is filled with love , perfect for a permanent home or weekend or summer home. Get your horses out of the heat, take them for some amazing forest rides with our great riding group up here. This is a must see ''mini ranch''. 3 bedroom/2bath cozy but with enough room for your guests. Come see it now. Sit in your front yard and watch the elk graze on the beautiful grass or sit in the back barbuque area and watch as your horses play.in the 60 x 120' ft corrals. Must see in person.

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16532 W Rowel Road Surprise, AZ 85387

$589,900

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,201 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776532

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome home to this beautifully crafted retreat! The modern farmhouse theme brings warmth and style, creating an inviting space with its wood tile floors, wainscoting walls, and barnwood accents. The spacious layout—with five large bedrooms, including a convenient downstairs bedroom and full bath—offers ample room for family and guests alike. The kitchen, with its granite countertops, white cabinetry, and double ovens, looks out over the oversized great room, making it ideal for socializing while preparing meals. The cozy gas fireplace in the great room adds charm, and the adjacent large den or office with barn doors is perfect for work or relaxation. Upstairs, the loft area and designer closets in each bedroom maximize comfort and organization. The master suite's luxurious bath, featuring a walk-in shower, large tub, and dual vanities, is designed as a serene getaway. The backyard desert oasis is a real showstopper, complete with a full outdoor kitchen, built-in grill and smoker, and ample seating around a firepit. The covered patio, synthetic grass, water feature, and enhanced lighting make this space a perfect retreat for entertaining or unwinding year-round. This home seems thoughtfully designed to blend style, functionality, and relaxation in one gorgeous setting!

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2547 E Corrine Drive Phoenix, AZ 85032

$589,600

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,700 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765202

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Price reduced, buy while the market favors you! Floorplan has been opened up and feels like a modern great room layout inside mixed with the charm and uniqueness of a non HOA neighborhood close to the 51, mountain preserve and more. The remodel was done in 2020 with new flooring and layout changes. Kitchen boasts Stainless steel appliances, recessed lighting, granite countertops 4 bedrooms give you options for either a guest room or office. Out back there is a covered patio, relaxing pool, real grass, and the RV gate access via the side of the lot. The 2 car garage and paver slab parking add to the appeal if you have lots of cars or other toys. 30 amp car charger/RV plug for charging EV's. Located close to the 51, PMP and minutes from shopping and nightlife.

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15935 W Montana De Oro Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$589,595

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,165 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6764951

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

READY FOR IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY!! Brand New Home! This 4br, 3ba., 3 car garage home has all the designer touches. Truly move in ready. Features include, 2'' blinds on all the windows, SS appliances,, upgraded kitchen cabinets, deco tile back splash, Plank floor tile, fans in all the rooms, 16' atrium doors, front yard landscaping plus so many more exciting included features - 10' ceilings, 8' doors, granite tops in the kitchen, gourmet kitchen, garage service door, tank less water heater, and so much more.

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