[quote=poorgradstudent]The Big Complexes have definitely raised their rent rates lately, at least in “desirable” areas (CV, UTC). The big complexes tend to compile data on their properties and how many empty units they are sitting on and adjust accordinly.

I’m not sure how much of that is seasonal. In the UTC area supply definitely dips as college students figure out where they want to live. Some of those students will graduate or drop out by the Spring.

Private landlords are definitely a bit lower than complexes.[/quote]

The biggest problem with the big complexes is the listed rates are pretty negotiable. They’ll let you get a better deal if you push for it. Of course if you’re a college student that’s taking student loans or mom and dad are paying for it maybe you really don’t care that they jacked your rent up by 10%. Oh well I don’t have to worry about it I’m going to get great job later.