I worked in Property Management for 13 years running upscale Apartments in Atlanta, Ga. Our prices were all over the board. Same floorplan, however, they justified the rates based on location, view, etc. And yes, it made my job a nightmare to send out renewal letters telling current residents that we were having to raise their rent due to our rising costs to keep the property up to high standards.... yet we had signs or banners along the entrance of the property offering FREE RENT or MOVE IN SPECIALS. It was ridiculous. They wanted us to gouge our loyal residents who made timely payments yet we "gave away the farm" to strangers off the street. Unfortunately for the renters, it was legal. Some people just learn the system. From my experience.... if your lease is expiring around the holidays (Nov-Dec months) you are more likely to get a better break. This is the slow season for apartments. The spring and summer months are when everyone is moving. The rates are usually higher. Because renters are making moves. Any apartments that opened up from Sept and later usually sat vacant thru the holidays and they would offer BIG discounts just to fill them up. We would barely raise the rent on renewal expiring in Oct thru Dec for fear of them moving out and adding another vacancy to our list. So... chances are... if your lease expires around Nov or Dec... you are more likely to be treated with more TLC.... at least in Atlanta.
