[candycanechick]

Hello,

I've been here a whole 3 weeks , and I'm noticing that rent is either REALLY high for OK/Nice places, and REALLY low for NASTY places. But the middle ground does not exist. I think that some of the EXPENSIVE/OVERPRICED places cost too much because this is not BOSTON or Silicon Valley, but I get taxes are high. My question is are the EXPENSIVE/OVERPRICED places supposed to be haggled down? Or do the landlords really want that much?

Is rent negotiable here?

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Generally speaking, apartment complexes/buildings do not negotiate. Private owners(SFH/Condo/Multi-Families) may be willing to negotiate.

You won't find "the middle ground" in these towns. You're either going to find good and pricey, or cheapo, get your foot in the door for the town's amenities apartments.

If you want middle ground, you'll have to expand out to more average communities, like Manchester.

[cdhpotter]

Have you checked the Yankee Flyer?

The Yankee Flyer® Home-Page

Lakeview Apartments in Farmington is good place to start out. It may not look like much, but it's actually a very nice, safe, friendly apartment complex at a decent price.

http://www.apartments.com/Connecticu...rtments/502850

[parentologist]

private owners will negotiate. If you have good credit, and can put down right away the maximum deposit allowed by CT law, which is two months' rent, along with first month's rent, you can probably get them to bring down the price by five to ten percent. Also, if you are willing to sign a longer lease, such as a two year lease, you could probably get the price down a little more, since they know they won't run the risk of it sitting vacant for a month, or having to paint. If someone came to me offering to sign for two years, with the full deposit and first month's rent ready, and the references from prior landlord checked out, I'd give them a discount on the rent. But if you don't have all that, I would not discount at all.

[JayCT]

The three towns you mention are among the most desirable in greater Hartford so of course they are pricey. You may not think they are worth it but thousands of people do, that is why the owners can ask the prices they do. It is simply the law of supply and demand which our economy is based upon. I would suggest you either consider other towns that are in your price range or increase the amount you pay or look at more modest homes. Jay

[candycanechick]

Originally Posted by parentologist

private owners will negotiate. If you have good credit, and can put down right away the maximum deposit allowed by CT law, which is two months' rent, along with first month's rent, you can probably get them to bring down the price by five to ten percent. Also, if you are willing to sign a longer lease, such as a two year lease, you could probably get the price down a little more, since they know they won't run the risk of it sitting vacant for a month, or having to paint. If someone came to me offering to sign for two years, with the full deposit and first month's rent ready, and the references from prior landlord checked out, I'd give them a discount on the rent. But if you don't have all that, I would not discount at all.

On, say, $1650, you would drop rent to ~$1485 for someone with a good rental background, 2x rent deposit, 1+ months rent in hand, and a >750 credit score?

I'm just wondering if the higher rentals are even worth looking at? And, outside of location, I don't think they are worth all that much. I know Farmington seems to be like this amazing place to locals, but should rent really match that of Boston burbs or Silicon Valley? Is there something I'm missing? Something locals are really into?

[KH02]

In my personal experience, you may sometimes be able to negotiate $50 cheaper but never really more then that. That is a high demand area and if you aren't willing to pay full price....someone else IS! I would suggest expanding your search into other surrounding towns which may have cheaper rents, or renting something smaller or less updated then you would prefer. Either that or you will have to up your budget.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by candycanechick

On, say, $1650, you would drop rent to ~$1485 for someone with a good rental background, 2x rent deposit, 1+ months rent in hand, and a >750 credit score?

I'm just wondering if the higher rentals are even worth looking at? And, outside of location, I don't think they are worth all that much. I know Farmington seems to be like this amazing place to locals, but should rent really match that of Boston burbs or Silicon Valley? Is there something I'm missing? Something locals are really into?

I do not think you really understand how rental prices work. Farmington is one of Hartford's most desirable suburbs so it will command and get rent prices that are among the highest in the region. It is not near what you would pay for a comparable rental in a comparable community outside Boston or Silicon Valley in California (though Fairfield County will).

I am sorry but you are really coming off that you think that the greater Hartford area is beneath you or at least that you would rather be in Boston or California. What you are missing is that there are great areas to live outside the ones near the largest cities in the country. Unlike Boston, we do not have the congestion, noise and aggrevation of living in a large city. You can drive 10 minutes and be in some of the most beautiful countryside in the country. You can drive an easy hour north and be in the mountains, an easy hour south and be at the beach or 2 hours to southwest and be in one of the greatest cities in the world (which is New York, not Boston). You can go to fabulous restaurants and not have to wait for hours for a table. You can go to world class theater without paying through the nose or waiting months for tickets. The quality of life here is very high and if you cannot appreciate it, maybe you should reconsider moving here. Jay

[KH02]

That area is also among the best school districts in the state. Families are willing to pay for top schools and nice homes with conveniences close by. If the prices are too high for you then simply look in lower rent areas in the surrounding towns such as Bristol, Windsor, or Newington.

[parentologist]

For the rent reduction scenario you provided, 1600 for a one year, maybe 1575 for a two year contract. Unlikely to get landlord down farther unless unit is empty and it's end of month and you're going to move in next week, so they'd be losing a month of rent unless they get you in there.