Vocalize WHY you are refusing the rent ask:
One utility of this tool is to pursue more dialogue with landlords who are actively contributing to gentrification.
Please use this response template below in order to negotiate your rent or send a message to a landlord.

Dear (Insert Rental Agency/Landlord Name),

Thank you for the opportunity to view your listing, though it met the criteria for what I am looking for, I respectfully decline to pursue this rental on the basis of not wishing to contribute further to gentrification in our neighborhood.

We compared the rental asking price to public data on fair market rent, as determined by HUD, and found it to be above fair market ask.

Should you decide to reconsider the rental asking price I would love to discuss negotiations further. As a member of the community, I believe it is our collective ethical duty to not disrupt and displace communities by forcing them out with inflated and prohibitive housing cost changes.

We urge you to consider your community role and how you will be contributing to the economical impacts of gentrification.

Respectfully,

(Your Name)

Negotiation questions to ask your landlord:
Below are our recommended questions and negotiation points to ask before signing a rental agreement.
Do not underestimate your power as the renter.
Always stay informed about who you are entering a legally binding contract with!
We understand it can be intimidating to advocate for yourself and a fair agreement.
Just remember it never hurts to ask - just do so respectfully and get EVERYTHING in writing!
Worst case scenario, if the person responds poorly - WALK AWAY!

Dear (Insert Rental Agency/Landlord Name),

Thank you for the opportunity to view your listing, we are interested in discussing the property further and have a few follow up questions outlined below:

It is important to me to be a good tenant and have a mutually respectful relationship with the landlord or property management company. Long term rental stability and commitment to being a positive impact on my surrounding community are important values of mine. How do you support the housing security and long term stability of your tenants?

What are your annual rental increases? Are you open to putting a rental incease cap agreement into our lease?

Thank you for your time and consideration in addressing my questions.

Sincerely,

(Your Name)

Environmental Quality Response:
Below is our recommended question to ask before signing a rental agreement in an area with historically poor air quality.

Dear (Insert Rental Agency/Landlord Name),

Thank you for the opportunity to view your listing, we are interested in discussing the property further and have a follow up question regarding an environmental health concern:

According to public air quality data, the zipcode in which your property resides has a historically poor air quality. Are you able to offer any air quality improvement property upgrades in order to protect the interior air quality and health impacts of your tenants?

If you are unable to make any accomodations are you willing to negotiate rent in order for me to pursue purchasing and running a quality air purifier?

Thank you for your time and consideration in addressing my questions.

Sincerely,

(Your Name)

Thank you message for offering fair housing:
Below is our recommended response to send a landlord that is offering fair market rental agreements

Dear (Insert Rental Agency/Landlord Name),

Thank you for the opportunity to view your listing, we are interested in signing a rental agreement with you and would love to discuss next steps!

We are very pleased that you are offering rental terms that are in-line with fair market rental prices. It is an important value of mine to enter a lease agreement that is not contributing to the economical side of further gentrifying the neighborhood.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you regarding how to proceed.

Sincerely,

(Your Name)