Tips for successfully negotiating your rent in Morocco

Sep 30, 2024

A hand handing a key to another hand

Negotiating the amount of rent is a step often overlooked by tenants, but it can help you save substantial amounts.

In Morocco, where rental prices vary depending on cities and neighborhoods, it is quite possible to obtain a more advantageous rent with a good strategy.

Whether you are in Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat, or elsewhere, here are some tips for successfully negotiating your rent and getting the best possible deal.

Why negotiate your rent?

The rental market in Morocco is constantly evolving, with prices varying according to demand and the location of properties. Negotiating your rent not only helps to reduce your monthly expenses but also to better balance your budget. Here is why you should consider negotiating:

1. The direct impact on your budget

Rent often represents a significant portion of the monthly budget. Even negotiating a small reduction can help you save in the long term and use that money for other important expenses or for your savings.

2. Landlords are often open to discussion

Contrary to what one might think, some landlords are open to negotiation, especially if the property has been on the market for a long time or if demand is low. It may be more advantageous for them to rent at a slightly lower price rather than leaving the property vacant.

3. Demand and supply fluctuate

In some regions, especially in large cities like Casablanca or Marrakech, supply can exceed demand at certain times of the year. By carefully analyzing the market and choosing the right time to negotiate, you can obtain a more attractive rent.

How to prepare well for the negotiation?

A successful negotiation always starts with good preparation. Here are the steps to follow to ensure you are in a strong position during discussions with your future landlord.

1. Research the local market

Before starting the negotiation, find out about the prices in the area where the property is located. Compare similar apartments or houses in terms of size, amenities, and location. This will give you a solid basis to argue if the proposed rent is above the market average.

Tip: Use real estate platforms such as Avito, Mubawab, or Housing Place to check rental listings in the neighborhood and know the current prices.

2. Evaluate the condition of the property

During the visit, take the time to assess the general condition of the property. An apartment with old installations, maintenance problems, or outdated equipment may justify a request for a rent reduction. If you notice that repairs are needed (painting, plumbing, etc.), you can negotiate by asking for a rent decrease to compensate for these costs.

Tip: Take pictures or make a list of points to improve to support your request.

3. Find out about the property's vacancy duration

A property that remains vacant for a long time can be a good sign for negotiation. If you know that the landlord is having trouble finding a tenant, you have a strong chance of getting a rent reduction. Landlords often prefer to rent at a slightly lower price rather than leaving the property empty and losing money.

Advice: Ask the agency or neighbors how long the property has been unoccupied.

4. Present yourself as a reliable tenant

The owners are primarily looking for serious and responsible tenants. By highlighting your profile (stable income, reliability in paying rent, good maintenance of the property), you can reassure the owner and encourage them to accept your rent reduction request. The stability of a good tenant is often a major asset for landlords.

The best techniques for effective negotiation

Once well prepared, it's time to move on to the negotiation itself. Here are some proven techniques to negotiate rent in Morocco.

1. Negotiate based on the time of year

Seasonality can affect the rental market. During certain times of the year (end of the year, school start), rental demand may be lower, providing better room for negotiation. If you're looking to rent outside of high-demand periods (such as summer in tourist cities), you have a better chance of getting a rent reduction.

Tip: If possible, start looking for housing during the low season when owners are more likely to accept lower offers.

2. Offer to sign a long-term lease

For owners, having a stable tenant is a valuable asset. By offering to sign a long-term lease (e.g., a two or three-year lease), you may obtain a rent reduction in exchange for this stability. This also reduces the risk of vacancy for the owner, making them more likely to accept a decrease.

Advice: Be flexible about the lease duration, but make sure it suits you as well.

3. Negotiate the rental charges

If the owner is unwilling to lower the rent, you can shift the negotiation to the charges. For example, you can propose to reduce or cancel some rental charges like maintenance of common areas, water, electricity, or condo fees. This will have a direct impact on your overall budget, even if the rent amount remains unchanged.

Tip: Ask for a breakdown of the monthly charges to identify which ones can be negotiated.

4. Offer to pay several months in advance

If you have the financial means, offering to pay several months of rent in advance can be a strong argument. Owners often prefer the security of advance payment and might be willing to lower the rent in exchange for this financial guarantee.

Example: By offering to pay six months or a year of rent in advance, you may get a significant reduction.

5. Discuss property improvements

If you are willing to undertake some work in the apartment or house (painting, installing equipment, etc.), this can be a good negotiation basis. You can ask for a rent reduction in exchange for taking care of some improvement works.

Tip: Be specific about the improvements you plan, and ensure it also benefits the owner in the long term.

What to do if the negotiation fails?

Despite your efforts, the owner may refuse to lower the rent. In this case, here are some options to consider:

• Compare other offers: If you are flexible about the housing or the neighborhood, feel free to look for other options. You might find a similar property at a more affordable price.
• Wait for a natural price drop: If the property remains vacant and rental demand is low, the owner might come back to you with a more favorable proposal in a few weeks.
• Accept the rent if other advantages compensate: If the property is ideally located, well-maintained, and other charges are covered, it could justify paying the asking price.

Conclusion: Good Preparation, the Key to a Successful Negotiation

Negotiating the rent of a property in Morocco can seem intimidating, but with good preparation and the right strategies, you have every chance of getting a better price.

By researching the local market, evaluating the condition of the property, and highlighting your qualities as a tenant, you can convince the landlord to lower the price.

Looking to rent an apartment in Morocco? Check out the available listings on Housing Place and get ready to successfully negotiate your next rent!