With a lease term, landlords can move renters in for a set amount of time, though the length of time varies. Unfortunately, when it’s time to renew that release, some landlords take it as an opportunity to raise prices, and usually by a lot. There’s a reason landlords are looked down on. More importantly, it’s often a struggle for tenants who already work hard to pay rent, bills, and groceries. One woman living in Washington, DC was less than pleased when she saw her rent was going up. Luckily, she tried a trick she learned on TikTok.
TikToker PnutButtrJelliTyme posted a video wherein she revealed she pays $1,515 for her 3-bedroom apartment. When she received the lease renewal on her door the other day, she saw rent was going up to $1,650. Rather than accept it at face value, the TikToker tried something new: a counter offer. Before then, she didn’t know it was an option. Like many Americans, the TikToker admitted, “I just thought they was just telling you that you had to pay.”
So, PnutButtr sprang into action and gave the rental office a call. They tried to talk her into $1,600 but she told them $1,580 sounded better. In the end, they agreed to that amount. So, though her rent prices still went up, she’s still paying a lot less. That said, PnutButtr also makes it clear she doesn’t think it was warranted in the first place. increased, she’ll be paying a lot less than she was originally given.
According to the TikToker, there have been “no changes to my apartment,” or updates. Furthermore, she argues that it’s crazy a landlord can demand $130 more every month when no one has made an offer to update the apartment to begin with. Landlords have to eat, sure, but if the working class isn’t making more, why do landlords have the option to charge more?
One commenter shared, “I did the same thing. It cost them to find new tenants so they will often work with you to keep you.”
Another person said, “Since you renewed, you need to tell them that you want your carpet clean for free. You can do that. I’m a property manager,“ which is just diabolical.
The support for her in the comments was overwhelmingly wholesome. Though some took to (rightfully) bashing landlords, so many people were appreciative of PnutButtr sharing her win and advice, and that they were going to try it, too. Landlords have enough money—they don’t need more.
