Where renters have the upper hand — and where they don't
Summary
Zillow published a companion analysis to its May 2026 rent report on June 16, 2026. The piece compares year-over-year asking rent changes across large U.S. metros to identify where renters currently have the strongest negotiating position.
Asking rents fell year-over-year in seven large metros. Most of those metros are in the Sun Belt, where new apartment supply has been absorbing demand and landlords are more likely to offer concessions.
By contrast, several East Coast and California markets remained tight, with rents continuing to climb. In those markets, landlords generally hold more pricing power and renters have less room to negotiate.
The analysis also maps the typical concessions by metro, making it possible to see how a specific market is behaving rather than relying on a single national number.
Start with your metro, not the national headline. A softening market gives you real leverage to ask for lower rent, waived fees, or a concession; a tightening market usually argues for locking in early rather than waiting for a better deal.
Before you renew or sign a new lease, look at three similar units in your neighborhood. If they are sitting vacant with advertised specials, you have a factual basis for a polite ask. If they are leasing quickly at or above list price, you may want to focus on lease terms — such as rent increases, early-termination clauses, and pet or utility fees — rather than a large rent reduction.
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