I think gfxgirl's point is that you can mentally model the gift money as added on the rent, and use that number when comparing apartments. Ex. 50/mo + 240 gift

I think gfxgirl's point is that you can mentally model the gift money as added on the rent, and use that number when comparing apartments. Ex. 50/mo + 240 gift money (for a 2 year lease) == 60/mo without gift money.