can you negotiate rent?

so I found a great place but the rent they are asking for is slightly higher then what we were looking to pay. Can I negotiate that?

Re: can you negotiate rent?

it doesn't hurt to try! The worst they can do is say no. I don't see why you can't...you negotiate the price of everything else, a house, a car, etc. why not rent too?

Re: can you negotiate rent?

Yes, everything is negotiable, but as with a sale, it depends on the landlord's motivation. Also, you have more negotiating power if you are a desirable tenant (e.g., financially qualified, good rental and employment history, etc.).

In my experience, rents are somewhat negotiable, but not VERY. So a landlord will often say -- I want to try to get $1300 a month, but I'll take $1250, or maybe even $1200 for the right tenant. But you won't get that apartment for $1000, you know? And if the rental is priced right and in good condition, the landlord probably won't negotiate. This is a hot rental market, and a LOT of people are looking for rentals.