Finance Guide Center

Is it legal for a leasing company to charge different prices for the same type of units?

in the same apartment building? I'm just about to enter into a lease and the leasing agent made it out like i was paying a different amount than other tennets. Can that happen? Do I have any ability to negotiate an advertised price? Thanks

Public Comments

1. Yes, it's legal, so long as they're not charging a higher price to a legally protected group (for instance, black people). You can ask for a better price to match the other tenants, but they're not obligated to give it to you.
2. Rental property seems to be limited b/c of the housing loan markt....having said that some leasing companys offer cheaper rates bc of a "special" for the month or they go by the length of the agreement...not uncommon to charge different rates, esp if they are not full they may offer those "specials" to get tennants. Also beware that after your agreement is up and you go month to month your rent may be higher, or if you only sign for 6 months at a fixed price then you want to extend your lease the price may be higher.
3. Yes it is legal, they take into consideration where the unit is located, whether it is north, east, west or south facing and the market, you can try to negotiate but if this unit is centrally located it probably is a more high demand unit.
4. Yes, it is legal. Is the issue that you think you're paying more than everyone else? Why is that? Did the agent give you any specific reason...i.e. waterfront view, etc.? If not, try and negotiate the price. Basically they can charge whatever they want. I'm in the process of moving right now, and I contacted two different agents at one building. Each gave me a different price. I think it is really tied into their commission, so of course they'll try and get you to pay as much as you can.
5. Yes it's legal, and actually quite common. I lived in an apartment complex where there were 1BR and 2BR units. Some were bigger than others, some had better views, some had multiple balconies, and some were remodeled nicer than others. It was a 2-stroy building, so the ground floor units were different than the upstairs units. Some were closer to the street (more noise). Some were closer to the pool (usually more desireable). And, they were generally priced accordingly, sometimes with just a difference of $10 a month between similar units..