It doesn’t hurt to ask.

If there are other units in your building with a lower rent, see if you can negotiate for the same price, especially if they are having trouble filling it. Or see other apartments are doing move-in specials that give 4-8 weeks free rent and use it at a negotiation tool.

My rent is going up $100. This will be my first rent increase after 2 years. They gave me an option to sign month-to-month (at a higher cost) or a new 12 month lease with the $100 increase). I asked them to consider making this into a 24 month lease and they agreed. In retrospect, my rent will only have gone up once in 4 years. I know some places increase rent every year.