How to Negotiate House Rent in Nigeria Without Offending Your Landlord

If you love a place you’ve already seen, then you’ll want to know the price and immediately ask yourself, “Can they lower the rent?”

It may be uncomfortable, but it’s true. You don’t want to offend the landlord. Meanwhile, you do not want to agree to a price that goes beyond your wallet. So what do you do?

The great thing is that the discussion and negotiation of rent isn’t as uncommon as many tenants believe. Many landlords would actually prefer some discussion before an agreement is reached. However, only great tenants can negotiate with their landlords in a healthy, respectful manner. And they have a good reason for the landlord to listen.

It’s not to “beat” the landlord, and it’s not to try to get him to cut a deal. The idea is to make it a comfortable final deal for both sides.

When you know what landlords like when you talk to them, it’s easier to have a conversation.

First, understand what your landlord really wants. 

It is important to look at numbers from the landlord’s point of view before talking about them. What is the most troubling thing that a landlord has on his mind? An empty apartment.

A vacant home for each month is a money loser. Rent is not being collected, and bills may still need to be paid. Maintenance costs will be incurred regardless of the property being occupied or not.

Now think about it.

So, if you can be a reliable tenant, pay your rent on time, and stay on the lease for a reasonable amount of time, aren’t you solving the landlord’s biggest problem?

From there, you’re on the right foot.

A landlord typically wants three things: steady income, a responsible tenant, and no stress. Your chances of success in negotiation increase greatly if you are able to provide those things.

Do Your Homework Before You Start Negotiating 

The first step to a negotiation is to gather information. It’s like going to an exam hall without reading your notes. Take some time to research other properties that rent for a similar amount in the vicinity before you start talking about rent.

So how much do other apartments cost? Does the property have a long listing time?

These details matter.

You now have a legitimate reason to ask questions since you’ve found similar apartments in the vicinity that are renting for less. You aren’t bargaining willy-nilly; you sound like you are knowledgeable.

People tend to react to facts more than to emotion.

Find Out How Long the Property Has Been Vacant

This is a neglected negotiation tool that is available. Is the apartment vacant for 14 days? There may be a lack of negotiating leverage.

Is it empty for 3 months? That changes things.

A vacancy in the apartment for a long time is a loss of income. In that case, a landlord might opt to accept lower rent in exchange for immediate occupancy over waiting for a renter with a more lucrative rent.

Do not be confrontational. Simply ask. When was the last tenant out? When was the apartment put up for rent? The responses could even indicate possibilities you were not aware of.

Use Your Strength as a Tenant

Do you have a stable job? Do you have any references? Will you be staying for several years?

These are great resources. Consider for a second: would you rather have a tenant that will only be there for six months or a tenant that will be there for two or three years?

This is an easy one to figure out.

Don’t negotiate just on the rent price. Emphasize that you are a low-risk tenant.

Mention your employment. If you have had good rental experiences in the past, let them know.

Say what your goals for the future are. In some instances, the landlords are prepared to compromise a little in rent just because they are confident of the person in front of them.

Offer Something in Return 

The first thing tenants do wrong is that they request a discount without providing any value.

Negotiation is best when there is something for both parties. Do you have the money to pay the annual rent up front? Are you looking for a longer lease?

Are you quick on your feet? All of these can place you in a better negotiating stance.

For instance, a landlord might be willing to take a lower rent price if he is able to get the yearly rent payment now instead of waiting for months to get another tenant.

If you approach the situation this way, you’re not bargaining; you’re looking to work through issues.

Identify problems in a non-threatening manner.

When inspecting, be aware of the condition of the property.

Are there any dripping faucets? Broken tiles? Peeling paint? Faulty electrical fittings?

In case of problems, don’t use them as weapons. Rather, discuss them.

You might say: “I really like the apartment, but there are some things that I noticed that may need to be done before I move in.

That’s a much better way to go than to go on a complaint rampage. The landlord can then do something about it. They are able to solve problems before you even move in.

They can also slightly decrease the rent so that you can do your own repairs. It’s good news for you either way.

Know when it’s time to leave. This is perhaps the strongest negotiating weapon that one can have. If it’s just not working, be prepared to politely leave.

Not dramatically. Not angrily. Politely. You can say:

Thank you for your time. I like the apartment, but it’s not in my budget right now. Then continue your search. Why is this important?

When you’re desperate, you’re not in a strong position. When a landlord comes to understand that you have no options, you have none either.

It may be surprising, but some landlords will be more flexible once they realize you’re actually ready to relocate.

Avoid Common Negotiation Mistakes

 Some errors can be fatal in negotiations before they start. One is to provide an unrealistically low number.

When an apartment is priced at ₦2 million, and you put in a bid of ₦1 million without an explanation, you might not be taken seriously. Another mistake is to be rude.

No landlord wants to deal with a challenging tenant before this tenant is even in place. Having to negotiate each fee can also lead to needless conflict.

Rather, make a point of the most significant areas. The most important point is, don’t bluff. If you can’t back it up, you do not have ten; you have one.

There’s no substitute for being honest and believing, rather than exaggerating.

The Bottom Line

The negotiation of rent in Nigeria need not be uncomfortable. In understanding what landlords really want, it is much easier.

Talk with respect. Do your research. Emphasize your qualities as a tenant. Provide worthwhile service when you can. Identify legitimate concerns in an appropriate manner. If the deal doesn’t seem to fit the circumstances, walk away.

Ultimately, the ideal rent negotiations are the ones in which everyone wins.

They are the ones that both sides feel they have made a good choice about.

When this happens, not only do you get the better of your landlord, but you also put your landlord/tenant relationship on the right foot.