subject: Your Apartment Contract Discussions [print this page] Not everyone feels comfortable negotiating a lease. The difficulty of moving is bad enough with out supply the extra pressure of having to barter a lease. A couple straightforward sales tips will help you with figuring out your apartment lease (and almost any discussions that might come up eventually).
Do the research. Know what the area, the complex and even the industry considers fair market worth for the rental you are getting prepared to negotiate.
Comprehend the lease. You will need an assessment of who drops for what to help establish a starting point for discussions.
Get it all in writing. This is the biggest life lesson you will ever hear. It does not matter if the person you are working with is family, friend or complete stranger. Make positive that ever word disseminated between the folks is written down so that there is a meeting of the minds. It is equally vital that all people sign what is marked down.
Get an expert evaluation. Have a lawyer look over the rental agreement to be sure that it is an agreement that will be legally agreeable for both people.
Mark out the terms that you desire from the discussions. Having it written down will make it smoother for you to stay firm when discussing your apartment lease.
Have a backup plan. Being aware that this is not your sole choice will make it a little smoother to be bold in your negotiations.
Be willing to negotiate. The key to successful negotiations is having both people walk away content with the end product. You may have to be willing to adjust in some of your inquiries so know previously what details are deal breakers.
Be willing to walk away. It is vital that the landlord be aware that this is not the only rental for you. The knowledge that you have the ability to walk away from the situation may give the manager some incentive to negotiate.
