That will go a long way to winning something you want from the landlord. If what you want is a lower price, better lease terms, customized dates of occupancy, or a special service, you will have to ask for it and demonstrate that you are the kind of tenant who will make his life and bottom line better. A common error in negotiation is talking to the wrong person. You wouldn t ask the janitor to lower the rent because he couldn t agree even if he wanted. Make sure you are talking with someone who has the ability to act on your request.
Some rental agents can only show apartments and list prices.
A rental agent may have some discretion about dates and possibly a rental price range but usually not. In the University area, many landlords expect that if you don t like the price, the terms, or the apartment as is, someone else will be along any minute who does. They understand that demand is greater than the supply, especially if you want to live within sight of the Cathedral of Learning. They may still negotiate but there is very little flexibility. But if you can show the landlord you know what you are doing and that you are the kind of tenant who will make his life better, give it a shot, you have nothing to lose.