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Is it reasonable to ask for less rent when going from month to month to a full year?
I am wondering if it's a reasonable and not crazy out there thing to request a lower monthly rent when going from month to month to a year lease?
I signed a 10 month lease at my current place… Hello!
I am wondering if it's a reasonable and not crazy out there thing to request a lower monthly rent when going from month to month to a year lease?
I signed a 10 month lease at my current place that expired so I decided to go month to month because my job location was potentially changing. I went from $2425/month to $2619/month.
I now think doing another 10 or 12 month lease will be fine for my job but feel like a sucker paying $200 more for the same unit that has had 0 upgrades or changes.
Now obviously "it doesn't hurt to ask" but what I'm asking is for people who have either done this or work in leasing if this is reasonable and even possible to ask for a lower rent to renew my lease. I'm hoping for $2500. Still more than what I paid before but less than the month to the month.
Is this crazy?
not crazy at all, especially in LA right now. i did this exact thing last year in ktown and got my rent dropped $150 by just saying i'd sign a 12-month if they came down. the month-to-month premium is basically them charging you for flexibility, so if you're giving that up, you have room to ask
your unit was $2425 before so asking $2500 is pretty reasonable tbh. they might counter at $2550 or something but that's still better than $2619. just be ready to actually walk if they say no, even if it's just bluffing a little. corporate landlords in places like dtla or sherman oaks are more likely to play hardball, but smaller buildings are usually flexible
It's not crazy at all, but you need to understand the leverage you have. In LA, a lot of landlords are desperate to keep good tenants right now because vacancy rates have crept up and they don't want to eat a month of lost rent finding someone new. You're paying $2619 for a unit that was $2425 before, so they already bumped you 8% just for going month-to-month, which is steep.
I'd frame it as "I want to sign a 12-month lease at $2500, or I'll go back to month-to-month and keep my options open." The key is that month-to-month is actually more valuable to them than a fixed lease in some ways, because they can raise rent or kick you out with 30 days notice if they want. But in practice, most landlords would rather lock in a reliable tenant for a year at a slight discount than risk you leaving and having to pay a broker fee and lose a month's rent. I've seen this work in buildings around Koreatown and Mid-City where management is corporate but not huge.
Just don't threaten to leave unless you actually would. If you're in a rent-controlled unit, you have even more power, but if not, you're still in a decent spot to negotiate.
I've seen this work both ways in LA. Your $2619 month-to-month rate is basically a penalty for flexibility, so asking to drop it back down when you commit to a full year is standard practice. I'd lead with the fact that you've been a reliable tenant for 10 months already, no late payments, no drama. That goodwill is worth something to a landlord who doesn't want to screen a new applicant and lose a month's rent during turnover.
One thing to watch for in your area. If you're in a building managed by a large company like Equity Residential or Greystar, they often have strict pricing algorithms and won't budge much. But a smaller owner in places like Silver Lake or Echo Park might negotiate more freely. I'd aim for $2500 and settle at $2550, which still saves you $69 a month over what you're paying now. Just know your market rent for similar units nearby so you can cite actual comps if they push back.
Things to Do in Los Angeles (2026)
Start with the Hollywood Walk of Fame along Hollywood Boulevard, where over 2,700 stars honor celebrities. For a classic photo, hike up to the Griffith Observatory for sweeping vi… 🌴 Iconic Sights
Start with the Hollywood Walk of Fame along Hollywood Boulevard, where over 2,700 stars honor celebrities. For a classic photo, hike up to the Griffith Observatory for sweeping views of the city and the Hollywood Sign. Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
🎨 Museums and Culture
The Getty Center in Brentwood offers free admission (parking $20) and stunning gardens with art from the Middle Ages to modern times. For contemporary art, head to The Broad in downtown LA, which has free timed-entry tickets for Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirror Rooms. Book online weeks ahead.
🏖️ Beach Day Essentials
Santa Monica Pier is a lively spot with an amusement park and aquarium, but for a quieter vibe, try Manhattan Beach with its wide sandy shores and local shops. Both have bike paths connecting to Venice Beach, where you can watch skateboarders at the famous Venice Skate Park.
🍽️ Foodie Hotspots
Grand Central Market in downtown LA has been a food hall since 1917, offering everything from tacos at Tacos Tumbras a Tomas to egg sandwiches at Eggslut. For Korean BBQ, head to Koreatown's Park's BBQ, where the beef short ribs are a must-try. Expect lines on weekends.
🚶 Hidden Neighborhoods
Explore the Arts District for street art and industrial-chic galleries, then grab coffee at Blue Bottle. Echo Park is great for a stroll around the lake and vintage shopping on Sunset Boulevard. Both neighborhoods are walkable and less touristy than Hollywood.
🚌 Getting Around
LA's Metro system has expanded with the K Line connecting Crenshaw to the Westside, but a car is still the most convenient option. Rideshares are widely available, but traffic on the 405 and 101 can be heavy from 7-10 AM and 4-7 PM. Consider renting a bike for beach areas.
🌆 Best Evening Spots
Catch sunset at the rooftop bar of the Ace Hotel in downtown LA, which offers craft cocktails and views of the city skyline. For live music, the Hollywood Bowl hosts concerts from May to October, with affordable bench seats starting around $20. Pack a picnic for a classic LA experience.
💡 Local Tips
Many museums offer free admission on certain days, like the Natural History Museum on the first Tuesday of the month. Parking can be expensive, so use apps like SpotHero to reserve spots ahead. Always carry a reusable water bottle, as tap water is safe and refill stations are common.
Seconding the Academy Museum free day tip, that's a solid addition. One thing the guide doesn't mention is that the Griffith Observatory can get completely overrun on summer weekends, to the point where they close the road to cars. If you're not up for the hike from the bottom, take the DASH Observatory bus from the Vermont/Sunset Metro station, it's 50 cents and drops you right at the door. Also, for a quick beach lunch that's not a tourist trap, the fish tacos at Fishing with Dynamite in Manhattan Beach are worth the short walk from the pier.
one thing the guide doesnt mention is that the getty center has a free shuttle from the parking structure up to the museum, so you dont have to hike the hill unless you want to. also if you go on a weekday morning the gardens are basically empty and the light is perfect for photos. for a quick bite after, the cafeteria is overpriced but the hot dog stand outside the tram stop has decent cheap snacks
honestly the guide is pretty solid but i think theyre sleeping on the food scene in the san gabriel valley. if you have a car and an afternoon, drive out to monterey park for some of the best chinese food in the country. the soup dumplings at din tai fung are famous for a reason but the real hidden gem is the xiao long bao at mei long village just down the street. way less of a wait and just as good. also for a chill evening that's not downtown, the rooftop at the standard on sunset has a great vibe and you can see