How to talk to the owner: five phrases that actually work

Good apartments are taken in days, sometimes in hours. The owner opens dozens of identical "Hi, is it still available?" messages - and replies to the people who look like reliable tenants. A few small wording choices noticeably raise your odds.

The first message decides

Instead of "is it still available?" say who you are and when you can move in: "Hi! Looking for a place for a year or more, no pets, can move in from the 1st. When is a good time to view?". The owner sees a serious tenant immediately.

An owner is not renting out an apartment - they are renting out a calm year ahead. Show them they will be calm with you, and the price becomes a secondary question.

How to ask for a discount and actually get one

Discounts are given for the owner's benefit, not for asking. Arguments that work: a long term, two months paid upfront, ready to move in immediately, no pets. "Could it be cheaper?" with no reason behind it almost always gets a no.

What not to write

• Long stories about yourself in the first message.
• Ten questions at once - save them for the viewing.
• "Could you send more photos?" when there are already plenty.

Summary

Negotiation is not haggling, it is showing you are reliable. Browse apartments from owners and write your first message so that they reply to you.