> These companies have turned areas they operate into upscale meat grinders that lure you with a "welcome" price only to systematically hike up your rent way be

> These companies have turned areas they operate into upscale meat grinders that lure you with a "welcome" price only to systematically hike up your rent way beyond inflation. In my experience with downtown Seattle, the high end luxury apartments this rings true. I had an apartment that I was renting for ~$4k a month and gave me like 1 month free. The building then decided when it was time to renew our lease, I should pay an additional $400 a month. I moved out of that apartment and then they relisted that apartment for $3700/month with a 1 month free offer. My next apartment was $2300/month. Same thing, 1 month free. Come lease renewal time (1 year later), they said the new rent would be $400 or $500 higher (a 17% or 21% increase). Recently they've decided to give an "exploding offer" where the new rent would only be $2500/month with 8 weeks free if signed by X date. TLDR: 10%+ rent increases are the norm for my building. I've never actually paid the full listed amount for rent though when you take the concession into consideration.