How would you like to spend less on your rent? Apartment vacancies have remained high over the past few years. In part, that’s because many people bought homes or condos when mortgage rates dropped so low several years ago. That soaked up part of the rental market and demand for apartments. The latest data shows that landlords are having just as much trouble renting places as they did a year ago. So, it’s clearly a renter’s market. If your lease is about to end and you’re planning to get a better deal somewhere, make sure you know how far in advance you have to notify the landlord that you are vacating. And do it in writing. Use that time before your lease is up to go out and shop the competition. Ask your friends what they’re paying and where they live. The key to getting a good deal on a rental is to be ready to walk. Get offers from several places and, if the landlord doesn’t budge, walk out. You have the power to decide, within reason, what you pay for rent. These deals will eventually end because the supply will dwindle and contractors won’t keep building the apartment complexes that they have been. Not to mention the fact that mortgage rates will likely rise and more people will go back to renting. So, get a deal now and think about signing a two-year lease. You may get a much better deal.