How to negotiate your rent

A year passes quickly in the property world and tenancy contract renewals seem to roll round far too swiftly;   no sooner have you signed on the dotted line than it's time to start negotiations all over again.

Dubai property laws now thankfully protect tenants from huge rent rises but what can you do about convincing your landlord to lighten the load of your monthly (or in many cases, yearly) payments? 

Check out our tips for ways to get your rent down…

Do your research
Are you paying over the odds for a unit or villa in your building or community?  Find out the average rental rates in your area, what other services are available for your type of property etc and use the data as a bargaining tool

Know your landlord
If you share a landlord with others in your building, see if you can find out the approach used by others.  What worked and what didn't?  Your landlord may prefer face to face contact or may feel threatened by a too personal approach. 

Timing
Don't leave your rent negotiations to the last minute, start early enough so that you can convince your landlord you have enough time to find somewhere that's better value if you have to.

Prepare yourself
Negotiating is a skill that some people excel at while others find it difficult and distressing.  Keep your emotions away from the table and remain firm and reasonable.

Start low (but not too low)
Start out by asking for a lower amount than you want to pay.  You probably won't get your starting amount but it will give you some room to negotiate.  Be careful not to start too low however or you run the risk of insulting your landlord!

Be honest
Are you looking for a reduction because you're finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet?  The rising costs of utilities and food bills have hit some families hard so if you're upfront with your landlord you may be surprised at the understanding response.

Demonstrate your value
Have you maintained the property well?  Do you pay your rent on time?  Play up your plus points as a tenant and look at what you could bring to the table;  perhaps you could carry out small maintenance jobs in return for a rent reduction.

Be flexible
If you can pay in one cheque rather than four or six you may be able to negotiate better terms.

Take a long term view 
If you know you might want to stay in the property for the forseeable future then see if you can come to an arrangement for a reduction over a longer term; some landlords might find the prospect of a long-term tenant they trust an attractive one.

Look at the extras
If a landlord won't reduce your rent, perhaps they will be more amenable to paying for utilities, TV or internet.  Some new apartments offer these as standard so if you feel you're not getting a good deal compared to what else is out there, use this info as a negotiating tool.

Upgrades
Is the property in need of a paint job or some other renovations?  Either highlight potential problem areas as a reason for a reduction or offer to do some upgrades yourself in return for lower payments.