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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1514 E Diamond Street Phoenix, AZ 85006

$549,999

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,766 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6730147

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Check out this CHARMING, VINTAGE, ADOBE, home located in the exciting North Garfield HISTORIC DISTRICT! Thanks to a large ensuite and ARIZONA ROOM addition this home is quite LARGE compared to neighboring homes (1,776 SF). Additionally this home features a fully detached casita/GUEST HOUSE with kitchenette, bathroom, and it's own HVAC unit, making it perfect to use for your favorite in-laws or to supplement the mortgage with a tenant... Step inside the main house and you will find tasteful upgrades that perfectly accentuate all of the historic charm that this home has to offer. ORIGINAL DETAILS INCLUDE; coved ceilings, wooden front door w/ hardware, mail slot, milk door, and hutch. And to top this all off, the home comes with OWNED SOLAR! AVG. electricity bill is $65/Mo!

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2720 E Fremont Road Phoenix, AZ 85042

$549,999

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,548 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756704

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Located within the prestigious gated golf course community of Fairways at The Legacy, this home greets you with a charming gated courtyard entry. Inside, you'll find 5 spacious bedrooms, 4 of which are upstairs, along with a guest bedroom, a full bath, and a laundry room conveniently located on the main floor. The primary suite offers a sitting area, stunning views of South Mountain, and a large walk-in closet. Positioned on a desirable north/south lot, the backyard is perfect for gatherings, featuring a covered patio, a putting green, and an awning that reduces direct sunlight, creating a more comfortable outdoor space. Just a short 10-minute drive from downtown Phoenix, this home is ideally suited for growing and active families.

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427 E Mayfield Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$549,999

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,369 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751714

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You can't miss this property, It's sitting on a massive 20,000+ sq ft lot (just under 1/2 acre) with an RV gate and HOA allows RV'S up to 30 feet long parking in the back yard. There are 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. There is a huge open family room as well as a formal living room and a dining room. There is also a large open kitchen with a big island for entertaining,, new granite counters. The backyard is a blank slate waiting to become the backyard of your dreams, the options are endless and three-car garage. Improvements...All Carpet updated Jan-2022.All baseboards updated Jan -2022.The whole house was painted inside Jan-2022,,, Toilets Updated Jan-2022. Kitchen and Baths granite countertops and Cabinets painted updated Aug-2024. THE HOME WARRANTY IS INCLUDED FOR ONE YEAR.

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7631 S Kenwood Lane Tempe, AZ 85284

$549,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,656 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765825

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BEAUTIFULLY REMODELED! Move right into this charming home in a prime Tempe location! Providing 3 beds, 2 baths, 2-car garage, & a low-care landscape. The immaculate interior, with a spacious open layout, boasts clean lines that promote a modern feel! Enhanced by fresh neutral paint, vaulted ceilings, recessed lighting, abundant natural light, & new wood-look floors. The renewed kitchen has SS elec range & dishwasher, quartz counters, tile backsplash, white shaker cabinetry, and a waterfall peninsula w/breakfast bar. Well-appointed bedrooms & updated bathrooms! Main bedroom offers French doors to the back and a barn door that opens to the ensuite w/dual sinks & a walk-in closet. Enjoy the entertainer's backyard with two covered patios, a well, artificial turf, & a sparkling pool! Just WOW!

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2537 E Carla Vista Drive Gilbert, AZ 85295

$549,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,791 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6758610

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beloved home is in very popular pet friendly area! Nestled next to greenbelt, community pool & basketball court. Gorgeous home w/ 3 BDS & den which can easily convert to 4th BD. Open floorplan. Kitchen has large breakfast bar which opens into living/dining area. Newer stainless steel appliances w/ breakfast nook. Any car enthusiasts? The 3 car-garage has been upgraded with Gladiator slats hung on studs on the walls in garage for hanging tools, cabinets, etc. Separate circuits for Garage HVAC & outlets bar. Dedicated 220 for air compressor. Circuit that supports elec vehicle. Trusses for electric line for work light & to attach to air compressor w/ rubber isolates. Very sturdy. Extra 1500 SF of concrete poured for custom black steel RV gate & parking. Tuff Shed w/ electric & custom wo

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6071 S Topaz Place Chandler, AZ 85249

$549,999

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,842 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6759322

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to 6071 S. Topaz Pl, a stunning 4 bedroom 2 bathroom home nestled in the sought after Sun Groves community in Chandler. This well maintained residence offers a spacious floor plan, modern upgrades, solar panels, and a peaceful neighborhood, making it the perfect family home in a prime location. Step inside to find a bright and open floor plan with high ceilings and large windows, filling the home with natural light. The expansive living area features two tone paint, plantation shutters, and gorgeous tile flooring, making it ideal for both everyday living and entertaining guests. The beautifully upgraded kitchen features granite countertops, matching appliances, a large kitchen island, and ample cabinet space. It's perfect for preparing meals and hosting gatherings with friends and family. Step outside to the beautifully landscaped backyard, which offers a covered patio, a sparkling pool, a generous gazebo, and plenty of room for outdoor relaxation or entertaining. Sun Groves is known for its family friendly atmosphere, beautifully maintained parks, and scenic surroundings. With easy access to top rated schools and nearby shopping centers, it's the ideal place to enjoy a suburban lifestyle with modern amenities! Buyers currently living in Maricopa or Pinal County ask about an ADDITIONAL $7,000 home buyer credit available on this home via the Community Promise Program. Rate Relief Rebate Program: Benefit from a 2% seller credit to reduce your mortgage payments by Approximately $584/month in year 1 and $298/month in year 2. This exclusive offer makes homeownership more affordable now, while you await potential rate decreases.

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723 W Rosal Place Chandler, AZ 85225

$549,999

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,938 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785017

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

**NEW ROOF** on this fantastic 4-bed, 2-bath home nestled on a prime corner lot! Starring a 2-car garage, RV gate, & a low-care landscape. The inviting interior features modern light fixtures, neutral paint, wood-look tile flooring throughout, and vaulted ceilings that add to the airy feel. If entertaining is on your mind, you'll love the perfectly flowing open layout paired with a fireplace in the living space! The impressive kitchen boasts black SS appliances, granite counters, glass tile backsplash, white shaker cabinets, and an island w/breakfast bar. Large main bedroom has French doors to the back, a walk-in closet, and an ensuite with dual sinks & a soaking tub. Out the back, you have a storage shed and a Pergola patio to relax while enjoying BBQ. Great location! Welcome home

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2938 S 184th Lane Goodyear, AZ 85338

Open House

$549,999

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,380 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765471

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This spacious ranch-style home sits on a generous sized lot and offers 2,380 sq/ft of living space. Designed with comfort in mind, it features two split master bedrooms - perfect for added privacy. The great room boasts an inviting atmosphere with 10' ceilings and a beautifully appointed kitchen that features quartz countertops, a large island, and a walk-in pantry. Outside, the low-maintenance backyard is shaded by mature trees and has lush turf, ideal for relaxing or entertaining. With a 3-car garage, RV gate, and RV parking, this home is perfect for those who need extra space while enjoying a peaceful setting. Additional upgrades include Low-E dual-pane windows with sunscreens and a Smart WiFi thermostat for energy efficiency!

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1321 N Delmar -- Mesa, AZ 85203

Open House

$549,999

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,507 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770242

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this meticulously maintained single-level home in Mesa, featuring 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. As you enter, you'll find a formal living room and dining room with a charming wood-burning fireplace, perfect for cozy gatherings. The home boasts new carpet and fresh paint throughout, along with a newer roof and AC units for optimal comfort. Enjoy the convenience of garage cabinets and additional storage, along with two sheds for your outdoor needs. Step outside to a large patio, ideal for entertaining or relaxing in the sun. The property features an RV gate for added accessibility. Located in a vibrant community with a pool and lakes, and near a golf course, this home is also centrally located to shopping, dining, and easy commute to surrounding cities. Don't miss out!

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18583 W Swayback Pass Pass Surprise, AZ 85387

$549,995

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,088 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770088

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this exciting fully furnished Emerald model home with a mulitgen suite ready for November move-in, on a homesite boasting driveway pavers and front/back yard landscaping. Included features: an inviting covered entry; a study in lieu of a bedroom; a spacious great room; an open dining area; a well-appointed kitchen offering quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, 42'' cabinets, a roomy pantry and a center island; a beautiful primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; double laundry appliances; a covered patio, and a 3-car garage. This home also offers additional windows, ceiling fans, and full appliances and stone tile flooring in select rooms.

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2121 W Sonoran Desert Drive Unit 41 Phoenix, AZ 85085

$549,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,567 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6648426

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Check out this beautifully crafted 2-bedroom 2.5 bath home with well-appointed interior finishes. The casual dining area is adjacent to the kitchen and provides a convenient and intimate setting. Featuring designer upgrades throughout including flooring, cabinetry, quartz countertops, and stainless-steel kitchen appliances. The community is situated just minutes away from shopping, dining, and entertainment. Call today to learn more about this stunning Quick Move In and lending incentives!

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9390 Mead Lane Snowflake, AZ 85937

$549,995

6 Beds

4 Baths

2,624 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6734119

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Wow! Check out this opportunity! 2 homes on 40 acres fully off grid and self-sustaining. The PRIMARY HOME offers 1568 square feet of living space with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Floors recently upgraded to vinyl plank throughout. Split bedroom floor plan. Kitchen features hickory cabinets, granite counter tops, large kitchen island, farm sink and NEWER gas stove. Primary home is powered by 30 solar panels which is sustained by banks of lithium batteries. In addition to a 2 car masonry garage, the primary home also features a single car Graceland garage, a 14 X 40 carport and a 10 x 20 Graceland Lofted Barn Cabin for extra storage. The GUEST HOME offers 1056 square feet of living space with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. See additional description. The living space is bright and airy and features a split bedroom floor plan and breakfast bar. Guest home is powered by 25 solar panels and sustained by banks of 12 AGM Maintenance Free batteries. 1 private well services both homes. Power is also located nearby if you would prefer that option. This property would be perfect for multi-generational housing or could use guest home as rental income! Property is all off-grid but only 10 miles from town. Best of both worlds! Option to purchase home with 80 acres and additional private well on the upper 40 acres available. See MLS #6731913

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