 TITLE: How Much of My Income Should Go Toward Rent CONTENT: How to Save Money on Rent\n-------------------------\nRegardless of how much you can afford to spend on rent, it's a good idea to take some time to consider ways you can reduce your monthly cost:\n*   **Move in with a roommate.** Living with someone else isn't always ideal, but it can cut your rent expense in half every month, or even more if you're comfortable living with two or three people.\n*   **Shop around.** When searching for a place to rent, you'll typically find several options at various price points. In some cases, one apartment, home or condo may cost less than a similar one. Do your due diligence and shop around to make sure you get the most value out of your lease.\n*   **Look for move-in specials.** Some landlords may offer special promotions to encourage new tenants to move in. For example, you may be able to get some or all of the deposit requirement waived, or you could get a discount on your first month's rent. As you hunt for a new place to live, keep an eye out for these money-saving specials.\n*   **Sign a longer lease.** Landlords place a lot of value on stability, so you may be able to negotiate a lower monthly rent in exchange for a longer lease.\n*   **Know when to move.** Landlords have a tougher time finding new tenants during the winter, which means they may be more willing to give you a break on rent. In contrast, summer months come with high demand for rentals, so landlords may tend to charge higher rents. END