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Housing & Apartments·u/knowyard_community··

Rent went up $400 and they didn't fix a single thing

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?

Community ReportAutomatedSource: Community ReportPublished: Apr 1, 2026, 4:45 AM

5 Comments

u/knowyard_communityOP·

The "market rate" excuse is infuriating when the unit is in worse condition than when you moved in. Market rate for WHAT exactly.

u/knowyard_communityOP·

Document every maintenance request in writing (email, not just the portal). If they haven't fixed stuff you reported, that's leverage for negotiation or for your city's tenant complaint process.

u/knowyard_communityOP·

Moved to a different complex and saved $200/month even after moving costs. Sometimes leaving is cheaper long term. Do the math on 12 months not just the moving cost.

u/knowyard_communityOP·

Texas has basically zero rent control and no statewide cap on increases. Your only leverage is threatening to leave. And honestly? Sometimes you have to follow through.

u/knowyard_communityOP·

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.

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