Long term apartment rental, leverage for upgrades?

azith28

I've rented the same townhouse in an apartment complex for 5+ years now, and I've heard that sometimes long term residents when coming to the yearly lease might be able to use this to get some new carpet or appliances upgraded. I'm sure its dependent on the company doing the leasing, but I wanted to see what kind of luck others have had with these things.

Bowen

I've had some luck. We're pretty limited in things we can do with the back yard area, but I've asked them about a BBQ Smoker and while they were a little hesitant, they said since I was a long term resident, it was okay as long as I was safe with it.

You can probably make a case for appliances or carpet sure. I think carpet life is assumed 5 year life span for depreciation for landlords. So you're probably in a good situation to ask for new carpets, anyways. Personally I would ask for hardwood/tile/laminate-wood floors instead. Make the case it's easier to take care of and lasts longer. Doubly so if you have pets. Trying to rub wet poo out of carpets is harder than a tile floor.

VeritasVR

Yeah usually landlords like to renovate when there's no tenant. If you're okay with them doing all their shit while you still live there, it might be good to bring up.

Djeet

Last apartment complex I lived in did carpet replacement every 2-3 years so I'd think you could easily ask for that. Most places I have lived with give you wall and trim paint for free if you ask.

If it a small time operation then they might work with you (e.g. pay for laminate or hardwood materials and you do the install), but if this is a big company operating multiple sites I wouldn't hold my breath.

Darkewolfe

This is basically a question of how much any rent protection in your area has kept your unit below market rate.

Before I bought my house I tried to negotiate with my apartment company, and they flat told me that because of the rent control laws in the county and my living there for years, I was paying like 30% less than market rate for my place. The guys I spoke to were very polite, but said that the management company would probably prefer I move out so they could hike the rent up, and I wouldn't have much room to negotiate for anything.