Negotiate Lower Rent This Holiday Season With Your Landlords
- Author: Jeffrey Simmons
- Posted: 2025-12-23
With many people focused on holiday plans rather than moving, landlords may be more open to negotiation, making it a great opportunity for renters to ask for a better deal.
Why The Holidays Are a Good Time To Negotiate Rent
During winter, especially around the holidays, moving slows down. Fewer people are searching for new homes, which means rental units may sit empty longer.
According to Zillow’s research, there were more rental units available and more renters choosing to stay put this past year. This means landlords might be eager to keep reliable tenants, or fill vacant units – and could be willing to offer discounts or perks.
In fact, in December 2024, about two in five rental listings on Zillow offered some kind of concession, like a rent reduction or special incentive, and this trend has grown in most large cities.
Steps to Negotiating Your Rent
1. Do Your Research
Start by checking current rent prices in your area. Look at similar units in the neighborhood, comparing things like size, amenities, and whether utilities are included. Save links to comparable listings to help make your case.
You can use Zillow’s data to check how rents and rental vacancies have changed over the past year. If a lot of listings offer discounts and vacancies are up, it's a renter's market.
2. Show You're a Great Tenant
Landlords want tenants who pay rent on time and take good care of the property. Let your landlord know you’re reliable. If you have references from past landlords, share them.
If this is your first rental, references from work, school, or community activities can help too.
If possible, show proof you’ve kept the rental in good condition – share photos, offer a walk-through, or provide “before and after” images.
3. Keep Your Credit in Good Shape
A strong credit score proves you’re trustworthy with money. If your score needs work, consider asking someone with a solid credit history to co-sign your lease while you build up your own credit.
4. Offer Solutions That Help Your Landlord
If your landlord won’t lower your rent, offer something else valuable:
- Sign a longer lease for stability
- Suggest your lease end during peak moving season for easier turnover
- Offer to handle small maintenance tasks or improvements
- Ask for perks like free parking, reduced utility costs, or waived pet fees
5. Start the Conversation Early
Don’t wait until your lease is up. Start talking to your landlord early. Winter – when fewer people move – can give you more bargaining power, especially during the holidays when landlords don’t want empty units.
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Read next: Minimum Wage Increases on January 1: What Does This Mean For Renters?
