frank10b said:tolamapS said: ...
Now, go get them.

i have a friend who was a landlord, he had some tenents who wanted a reduction to an apart they had lived in for a year and done some renovations. the place is nothing special but my friend is a good talker. the end result, tenants begged landlord to let them stay. Rent 6,500 mo. reduction 0%

even in tough markets landlords can play their cards right

1. fool and his money are easily parted.

2. your friend's tenant = fool.

3. your friend's tenant had no BATNA and no balls.

Sounds like you are playing a weak hand pbawa and that the landlord is trying to out game you. You've already negoiated a lower monthly rent, and you know that there are major vacancies in the same building, you're in the position of strength here. It's time to play hardball and negoiate with your wallet. I'd personally tell that landlord that I want $200 bucks a month off now, and that if he doesn't remove clause 1 & 2, the next time you speak with him you will want $250 off. You have the dollars here and the situation favors you, make your own terms. Stop "asking" and start "negoiating".

The reason the tax increase wasn't passed on to you last year is because you were locked into a lease. And furthermore, even if you were outside the lease agreement, the landlord probably wouldn't have tried to raise your rent anyways because you could simply go rent somewhere else cheaper. It's a supply and demand situation here. You as a tenant are only responsible for paying rent in a timely manner, if they want more money they can try to charge more and test your willingness to walk. Are you willing to walk here? That is really the only thing you have going for you right now, but it is a trump card that the landlord won't be able to match. Even if you are not willing to walk, you need to fake it right now.

I wouldn't worry about clause 3 because you'd be a fool not to purchase renter's insurance to protect your assets in the first place.