Renewing Your Lease? Here’s How to Avoid a Rent Hike

Joaquin Gutierrez,

Renewing Your Lease? Here’s How to Avoid a Rent Hike

If your lease is about to expire, you’re probably already dreading the rent increase email. But before you sign that renewal, consider these strategies to keep your housing costs from going up unnecessarily:

1. Don’t Assume—Ask for the Numbers

Many landlords raise rents automatically each year, regardless of what’s happening in the market. Before you accept a higher rent, ask your real estate agent to run comparable rental data (also known as “comps”). You need to know:

  • Are similar units in your area renting for less?
  • Is the rental market cooling, staying flat, or increasing?
  • How long are similar units sitting on the market?

This information could be your leverage to negotiate a better renewal rate—or decide it’s time to move.

2. Propose a Lease Extension, Not a Renewal

Instead of locking into a full 12-month renewal at a higher rate, ask if the landlord would consider a 3 to 6-month extension at your current rent. This is ideal if you’re unsure about your plans or if you suspect rental prices might drop in a few months.

3. Offer Stability in Exchange for Rate Control

Landlords value good tenants who pay on time and take care of the unit. If that’s you, offer to sign a longer lease (like 18 or 24 months) in exchange for a rent freeze or smaller increase. You can also offer to prepay part of your lease if you have the funds—this gives your landlord security and you a bargaining chip.

4. Factor in More Than Rent

Even if your rent goes up slightly, you can offset that with savings in other areas. For example, if your landlord includes a service (like internet or parking), you might still come out ahead compared to moving. Likewise, if you’re staying put, don’t forget to update and optimize your utilities and services:

👉 Free Service to Connect Utilities and Services – Powered by Me

This link helps you handle electricity, internet, cable, and more in one step—and it’s totally free for you.

5. Bring in a Pro (It’s Free to Ask)

As a licensed real estate agent, I offer renters a free service to evaluate the market around them. If you’re unsure whether you should renew, extend, or move, let me review your options first. It could save you hundreds—if not thousands—over the next year.

📲 Text or call me today before your lease auto-renews.

Thinking About Moving Instead?

If you’re considering a change, I can help you explore your options. Whether you’re looking to rent something new or finally buy your own place, having the right professional in your corner makes all the difference.

✅ I Can Help You:

  • Find available rentals before they hit the public market
  • Negotiate rent or incentives with new landlords
  • Secure funding for your next move—whether you’re buying or just need help with upfront costs
  • Get pre-qualified with my network of trusted mortgage professionals

Sometimes staying put makes sense. Other times, it’s smarter to upgrade or relocate. If you’re not sure what’s best, let’s talk through it. No pressure, just clarity.

📞 Ready to explore your options? Message me on WhatsApp or call today.

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