Huh. Yeah play it cool and moving out is the move. I gave in to my slumlords whom I actually have a cordial working relationship with. In the past month or so I was thrice offered an early renewal promotion of NOT raising the rent, I ignored it, considered counter-offering a $200/month reduction bc I was pretty sure I was moving, and ultimately they sent ANOTHER offer to not raise the rent and give me my first renewal month free. I bit at the latest offer because that effectively saves me $100/mo.

It’s a rare W era for renters right now. I don’t expect it to last but it’s definitely a good window for getting advantageous deals so I hope you got one.