The renter's negotiation cheat sheet
Ten moves, in the order you use them — from first phone call to signature. Everything on one page.
Print it, screenshot it, keep it in your pocket at the leasing office. Ten moves, in the order you'll use them.
Before you tour
1. Look up the property's advertised special on two listing sites — if they differ, that's your first question at the office.
2. Ask by phone: "What are your screening criteria — income multiple, credit floor, look-back windows?" Free information that saves $50–$125 application fees.
3. Compute your walk-away number: total 12-month cost ÷ 12. Write it down before you see the model unit — model units are designed to move that number.
At the office
4. Get the current special for your unit and dates in writing or by email before applying. "Up to X weeks free" means the top of a range — ask what your quote is.
5. Ask whether free weeks are prorated across the lease or taken up front — same headline, different math and different renewal shock.
6. If the free weeks are fixed, negotiate the flexible numbers instead: deposit, app fee, admin fee. Month-end is when offices bend.
7. Ask what the renewal increase ran last year. They know. Their answer — or the dodge — tells you what year two costs.
Before you sign
8. Compare finalists on effective rent only: everything paid over the term, divided by the months. The bigger banner does not automatically win.
9. Read the early-termination clause now, while you're calm. Reletting fees of ~85% of a month plus rent-until-relet is standard in Texas; know it going in.
10. If your effective rent lands over ~$1,500, spend 30 seconds on the rent-vs-buy math before committing to 12+ months. Sometimes the best negotiation is a different table.
From West FW Living — the west side field guide. Current specials: westfwliving.com/specials.