What To Do if Your Rent is Too High

At some point in life, there comes a time when a person feels overwhelmed with all of the expenses he or she must pay to get through each month. Perhaps a person loses his job. Or, perhaps one’s rent and other expenses increase. When faced with adverse situations, such as monthly rent that is too high, it may be time to think about how to cut costs. There are several things that one can do in order to live adequately while still managing high rent costs. With a little patience, a little practice, and a little willingness to budget, there are ways to come out of the other side of a rent increase in good shape. Here is how to get started:

Negotiate with your Landlord: Remember that rent is negotiable. So if your landlord decides to increase your monthly cost, make a case for a lower increase. For example, remind your landlord that you pay your rent on time or in advance, take care of the property, and can guarantee her a long-term stay. These are just a few ideas. Brainstorm ways you can remind your landlord that you are the ideal tenant.

Cut Costs in Other Ways: One way to deal with a rent increase is to try to cut costs in other ways. Can you live without cable or Internet in your home? Can you clip more coupons for use at the grocery store? Can you pack your lunch for work every day for a month? Can you walk or bike to work? These small cuts can produce major cash that you can then apply to your rent increase. You may even have a little left over for other extras.

Read Your Contract:

This is very important. Landlords cannot legally increase your rent unless your contract or renter’s lease allows for these increases. When you sign your lease, it will state how much the rent will be per month for a certain year and will note the possibility of rent increases. Make sure you read your renter’s lease thoroughly before signing it to determine whether your landlord has increased your rent fairly and legally. This will help you as you bring your concerns to your landlord and may lead to major savings in the long run.

When facing a difficult financial situation caused by increased rent, take note of these easy measures to help ensure that you can pay your rent or that you can get your rent rate lowered to a suitable monthly fee. A little education and proactivity prevents getting taken advantage of.

If you’re looking for a good apartment that will be at a reasonable price you can look at apartments in Gainesville or Tallahassee apartments.

Source: http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/legal_guides/lt-2.shtml

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