Avocados and backpacks are not the only victims of inflation. Rents have seen their fair share (some may even say unfair share) of increases, too. According to iProperty Management research, 2024 saw a 5.11% increase in average rents — after 2023’s 7.95% increase. Furthermore, 2025 is on pace for a 7.52% increase, with the national average fair market rent of $1,671 per month for a two-bedroom apartment, and $1,393 for a one-bedroom.
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“Many landlords build in room to negotiate,” said Andrew Latham, a Certified Financial Planner and content director at Supermoney.com. “If you show comparable listings, it is realistic to shave $50 to $100 off the monthly rent, which means $600 to $1,200 in savings each year.”
While you probably won’t have much luck negotiating the price of avocados, we have some expert tips on how to negotiate cheaper rent. Here are five tips to get you started.
Rent in the Off Season
If you can, hunt for rentals and begin a lease in the off season. Most rentals turn over in the summer, Latham said. In his experience, moving in winter months, especially between December and February, can save up to seven percent or lead to waived fees since vacancies are harder to fill.
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Trade Maintenance and Repairs for Rent
If you’re willing to do a little yard work or home renovation and repair, you could use some “sweat equity” toward rent. “Maintenance like mowing, painting, filling a water softener and other regular tasks may become possibilities for you to take on with lower rent as your reward,” said Melanie Musson, an insurance and finance expert with Clearsurance.com. She advised you document your time and any expenses, just to ensure there are no misunderstandings down the line.
Use Your Credit
We’re not suggesting paying your rent with a credit card, as that’s not a smart move. Of course, if you have good credit, a good job and low debt, that can often be a powerful negotiating tool, said Jeff Lichtenstein, CEO and broker at Echo Fine Properties in Palm Beach Gardens. “Having a great credit score, clean social media page and time at the job is actually a terrific way to lower the rate, as landlords are looking over your job security, your social media pages and what your credit score is to make sure they aren’t asking for trouble,” he said.
Sign a Longer Lease
Inflation only stings you when you have to sign a new lease. With rents steadily increasing the vast majority of years over the past 25, if you can lock in your rent for two or even three years, you’re effectively saving money. Some landlords might even lower the rent for a longer lease, said Latham. “Landlords prize stability, and committing for 12 to 24 months often results in a five to 10 percent discount,” he explained. He added one caveat, however: do your research and make sure rents aren’t expected to fall in your area.
Pay Many Months in Advance
If you can afford to pay four, six or even 12 months in advance, it could motivate a landlord to lower the rent, said Aaron Razon, personal finance expert at Coupon Snake. It not only reassures landlords that you have the capacity to pay rent, but it takes away the burden of worrying whether you will pay on time. It also allows them to earn money on your money — a benefit you give up, of course.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Ways To Hack Your Rent in a High-Inflation Market
