Lease renewal came in. $400 more per month. Same unit. Same busted dishwasher I reported 6 months ago. Same stain on the ceiling from the upstairs leak they "fixed" twice.
I asked what justified the increase. They said "market rates." Cool. So the market rate for a unit with a broken garbage disposal and carpet from 2009 is now $1,800?
I know I can leave but moving costs are easily $3-4K between deposits, movers, and time off work. They know that too. That's the trap.
Anyone successfully negotiated their renewal down?
I negotiated mine down $150 by showing them comparable units on Zillow that were cheaper. They'd rather keep a paying tenant than turn the unit. It's worth trying.