For my followers who are renting where they live:

If your lease is expiring within the next few months, understand that the market will be much different than it was when you moved in. Everything is on the table. Here are some of the things you can negotiate: (a thread)

First, we must understand that if you move out, there is an increased likelihood of that house/your unit being vacant for one month or longer. That's a loss to the owner. Add in marketing costs to try to relet and you'll see why your moving out is the last thing the owner wants.

Second, we must consider that if you move out, the owner is going to offer concessions to whoever tours your place. So, you may as well reap the benefit of those concessions...

What are those Landlord concessions? Let's start with free rent. "But what if I asked for free rent in April/May?" Doesn't matter. Again, if you move out, chances are, the owner will offer free rent to whoever moves in. Don't limit yourself. Let the market dictate the limits...

If you can't get free rent, ask for reduced rent. Whether it's $100 off or $50 off, you will still come out ahead. Chances are, the owner will, too. Why? Because the sum of your annual rent discount will probably be less than the amount of lost income to the owner if you vacate.

Beyond rent, there are other things you can negotiate. If you paid first month's rent, last month's rent, and a one-month security deposit at move-in, ask for some of that money back...

...If something in your place needs to be repaired or upgraded, tell the owner you won't renew your lease until they perform the work. The cost of that new appliance may be less than the month or longer of rent the owner would lose. Plus, the repair/upgrade adds value...