$10 a week less rent possible, if you ask ... | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

Tenants could slash up to $10 a week from their rents by negotiating cheaper prices.

There is a surplus of properties available if you're looking to live in the cheaper homes and areas.

Richard Evans - from Rotorua Rentals and chairman of the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand property management group - said there were 270 rental properties available in Rotorua this week.

There were more than 40 one-bedroom listings, about 80 two-bedroom listings, more than 110 three-bedroom listings, more than 20 four-bedroom properties to rent and about five five-bedroom properties.

Mr Evans said many of the homes were in areas that were not "terribly desirable" and a large number would sell for under $200,000. He didn't want to reveal the specific areas but said since there was a surplus of those homes, tenants could - and had been - negotiating rents. People usually managed to negotiate $5-$10 off their rents.

If someone was looking at a house to rent for about $190 but there were other similar homes available for $185, they could ask if the landlord would take $180 a week.

He said if a house had been vacant for a while, home owners were usually keen to get tenants as soon as possible so they might negotiate cheaper rents. Other negotiations could include allowing dogs.

Those looking to rent nicer homes in the city's more desirable neighbourhoods had to act quickly, Mr Evans said.

Real estate agents were picking up eight to 10 of those homes every month and they were snapped up quickly.

He said looking at a house on a Friday and then taking the weekend to decide would probably see a potential tenant missing out.

Many of the people who snapped up properties in nice areas were usually moving to Rotorua from another city or country to take up employment in the city, Mr Evans said.

People who moved to Rotorua with children usually knew which school they wanted to live near and looked for properties in those areas. Tenants usually wanted rental properties within walking distance to schools and with good heating and garaging.

NOTHING TO LOSEHOW TO NEGOTIATE RENTS:

Ask the property manager, they can only say no.

When there is a surplus of homes, see if any of the homes you look at will take a lower price.

If a house has been empty a while, the owner may want to have someone in there quickly and will take a lower rent.

IN THE MARKETRENTALS: WHAT YOU GET FOR YOUR MONEY IN ROTORUA

One bedroom: $125 - $230

Two bedrooms: $130 - $500

Three bedrooms: $150 - $500

Four bedrooms: $210 - $500

Five bedrooms: $250 - $380

These ranges were compiled using the realestate website, Trade Me and classified advertisements in The Daily Post.