Use this letter when your rent is higher than what similar units nearby rent for, when the unit has lost a service or amenity it came with, or when you're a long-term tenant with a good record who wants to negotiate. It's for asking in the middle of a lease or ahead of a renewal; if your landlord has already sent a renewal offer with an increase, the lease renewal negotiation letter is a better fit.
[YOUR_NAME] [YOUR_ADDRESS] [YOUR_CITY], [YOUR_STATE] [YOUR_ZIP] [DATE] [LANDLORD_NAME] [LANDLORD_ADDRESS] [LANDLORD_CITY], [LANDLORD_STATE] [LANDLORD_ZIP] Re: Request to Reduce Monthly Rent Rental Unit: [UNIT_ADDRESS], Unit [UNIT_NUMBER] Current rent: [CURRENT_RENT] per month Dear [LANDLORD_NAME], I have rented [UNIT_ADDRESS] since [MOVE_IN_DATE], and I would like to ask you to consider lowering my rent from [CURRENT_RENT] to [REQUESTED_RENT] per month, starting [START_DATE]. My reasons: 1. Comparable rents nearby. Similar units in the area are renting for less: [COMPARABLE_1 — address or listing, size, rent], [COMPARABLE_2], [COMPARABLE_3]. 2. My record as a tenant. I have paid on time every month and kept the unit in good condition. Keeping a reliable tenant saves you vacancy, cleaning, and advertising costs. 3. [OPTIONAL — a change in the unit, e.g., "The building's laundry room has been closed since [DATE]," or "The parking space that came with the unit is no longer available."] In return, I am willing to [sign a renewal for [NUMBER] months / give you [NUMBER] days' notice before moving out / other offer]. If you agree, I would ask that we sign a short written amendment to the lease showing the new rent and the date it starts. I'm happy to talk about a different amount if [REQUESTED_RENT] doesn't work for you. Please let me know by [RESPONSE_DATE]. You can reach me at [YOUR_PHONE] or [YOUR_EMAIL]. Sincerely, [YOUR_NAME]
Replace all [PLACEHOLDER] fields with your actual information before sending.
Find three to five listings for similar units nearby — same size, similar condition — and note the address, size, and rent of each.
Ask for a specific amount and a start date. 'A little lower' is easy to ignore; a number with evidence is not.
Offer something in return that costs you little and is worth something to the landlord, such as a longer renewal.
Keep the tone businesslike. You're making a case, not a complaint.
If the unit has lost something it came with — laundry, parking, an amenity — say so, with dates.
If your landlord agrees, sign a written lease amendment before you start paying the lower amount.
Keep paying your current rent in full until a new amount is agreed in writing.
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