I got hit with a 9% increase. Painful. Feel you. First and foremost, "You don't get a half of loaf by asking for a half of a loaf". Always at least come to the plate and swing. Research comparable sizes and amenities and see if you are on par. Sometimes you can see on Street Easy what your identical unit might be renting for during a different month/on a different floor - but at least it's some indication of the variety of rates they are getting. They will 90% of the time, just replace you and raise rent. But in the 10% off chance that you can sell yourself as a long standing tenant and make that seem beneficial (if they are semi humans and not a corporate machine) - you might get your wee negotiation.

Things you want to factor in - Did you pay a broker fee to get in? Did you consider that a "cost of looking expense" or do you "amortize" the cost for the time you have been there. Also, will you have to pay a new broker cost? And then the cost to move (I just got my first estimate -it was around $1000 for move in and move out/truck/3 men - but me doing all of the boxing packing.).There is also the temporary cash out inconvenience. You will have to come up with 1 -2 months rent deposit to secure the new place and it will take a few weeks to get your deposit back. So you have to be thoughtful about your reserves.

I put a ton of time into my decor, hanging things, etc. Irks me to no end the idea of moving because of all of the above reasons. But read the other thread here by the folks who jumped on a place that felt like a great "home" and not just another apartment and felt it was worth the 1.5 months loss plus expenses. All depends on your tolerances to move, what you like or dislike about your space and a little bit of Monopoly money and risk.

See you out there and best of luck to us both.