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This insightful as-told-to essay is based on a discussion with Anna Cooper, a 32-year-old former resident services coordinator. Business Insider has verified Cooper's employment history. The following content has been edited for brevity and clarity.

From 2018 to 2020, I held the position of a resident services coordinator at a high-end multi-family property located in Washington, D.C. During this time, I gained invaluable knowledge regarding the rental process from the landlord's perspective. My role involved working closely with tenants and understanding their needs while also balancing the demands of the property management team.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered how individuals approached their finances, leading many to become increasingly proactive about negotiating their rent. Witnessing these rent negotiations firsthand was eye-opening for me; before this experience, I had little idea that such discussions were even a possibility.

Although I have since transitioned from property management, I have utilized the strategies I learned during my tenure to negotiate my own rent successfully. Here are some key insights from my experience that can help others navigate their rental agreements.

Understand the Leverage You Have

Many renters often overlook the potential for negotiation, feeling as if they are at the mercy of their landlords. However, it's essential to realize that there is room for discussion, and you can advocate for a more favorable renting experience.

From the landlord's perspective, maintaining a good tenant is paramount. The costs associated with turning over a rental unit can be substantial. Property managers must invest in marketing to attract new tenants, which may involve hiring different companies to list the property and cover vacancy periods that could stretch for months. By recognizing this reality, you can leverage your position to negotiate a lease renewal that benefits both you and the landlord. After all, keeping a reliable tenant not only ensures consistent income but also reduces the headache of finding new renters.

Line Up Your Negotiation Chips Early

Planning ahead is critical when it comes to lease negotiations. Ideally, you should begin your research 60 to 90 days before your lease renewal date. By proactively considering your options, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of the current rental market.

Ask yourself relevant questions: Are there comparable properties in the area with more affordable rates? How has my experience been in my current building? Could it be improved? Keeping a record of your experiences during the lease term can serve as powerful negotiating tools. Perhaps you've dealt with multiple maintenance requests or have had issues with appliances that significantly affected your daily life. If your living conditions have been compromised, be ready to reference these points during your negotiations.

Surprisingly, many renters wait for their property managers to initiate the lease renewal process before they start contemplating their next steps. This delay can weaken your negotiating stance, as you may lose valuable time to prepare.

Don’t Be Discouraged by a 'No'

Receiving a rejection when you first approach your landlord to negotiate can be disheartening. However, it’s crucial to remain persistent. If your initial request is denied, consider reaching out to a higher authority within the property management hierarchy, such as a regional property manager. Most larger properties have layers of management, and sometimes a different perspective can yield better results.

For smaller, independently-owned properties, your leverage may be diminished, but it’s still worthwhile to engage in conversation. Additionally, gathering information from neighbors about their rental agreements, including whether they’ve successfully negotiated their rates, can provide useful insights that strengthen your position.

Negotiate Different Amenities and Keep a Paper Trail

Upon moving to Los Angeles, I meticulously documented my apartment tours using an Excel spreadsheet. I recorded essential details such as rental prices, unit sizes, amenities, and parking options. This organized approach allowed me to compare properties effectively and make informed decisions.

During negotiations, if I found properties that were in close proximity to one another, I would leverage that information. For instance, I might say to a property manager, “I’m considering this apartment with more square footage, but the other one offers a better parking deal.”

Once the terms began to take shape, I made sure to follow up with the leasing agent via email to confirm our discussions, writing something like, “Thank you for the tour. I appreciate our conversation about extending the lease term and obtaining a parking credit.” This email trail helped solidify my requests and kept my case alive. Ultimately, I successfully negotiated a 13-month lease at a reduced rate and secured a discount on parking.