And it makes no sense because they’re losing money by bringing in a new tenant on cheaper rent and first month free. I think they simply upcharge everyone and hope they don’t notice. The idea these companies have is probably that the people living in these complexes near the harbor are well off enough that they can pay whatever and won’t bother anyone over an extra $50/month.

Once I asked to negotiate they immediately threw out a lower number because they knew they had no leverage and I figured them out.