Negotiating a Student Rate For Housing
When you are looking for off campus housing while you are in college, you may be able to get a student rate. Here are some tips to make sure that you are going to get a good rate.
1. The first thing that you should do when you are looking for a place to rent is ask if you can get a student rate. Many times the advertisement will say that a student rate is available, but if not, don’t be afraid to ask. The landlord won’t likely bring it up voluntarily, but if you bring it up they may be willing to give you a break.
2. Wear something nice when you go to talk to the landlord. You don’t have to wear your Sunday best, but you want them to know that you are an upstanding citizen. Wear something like you might wear to a job interview. If you wear something that is sloppy, the landlord may be less likely to offer you the apartment.
3. Come prepared with some references from home so that the landlord know that you are trustworthy and responsible. If you have a job, bring proof of income as well so that they know that you can afford the apartment.
4. Let the landlord know whether or not you are going to have a roommate because the landlord may have specific requirements on how many people can b e in the apartment. If you are going to have one or more roommates, you may find that the landlord may be willing to give a discount if one person is responsible for collecting the rent from everyone and paying.
5. Act as if you are going to a job interview when you meet with the landlord. Conduct yourself in a way that lets him or her know that you are going to be the best person to rent the apartment.
6. Determine what it is that you can promise for the landlord. If you are willing to keep the lawn mowed or pay the rent early each month, you may find that the landlord is going to be willing to give you a better rate,
Remember that you are going to want to put your best foot forward. You want to tell the landlord that you are a responsible person and that you are going to take care of the apartment. Give them a good interview and you will get a good rate.