In a tenants’ market, it is commonplace to see tenants bargaining with landlords for a good rental deal. I shared a private apartment with two flatmates between the years 1999 and 2003. The 1,700 sq ft flat previously tenanted at $2,500 was let go at $1,800 a month after being left vacant for some time, despite the fact that the owner was paying $2,500 every month for the mortgage. When it was time for renewal of the tenancy contract, the rent was revised to $1,600 after some negotiations. The following year, our rent was further lowered to $1,500 a month. My fate was reversed when I became a landlord from year 2002. My 1-bedroom unit was newly-renovated and rented out at $1,800 a month for the first year. The next year the tenant requested to lower the rent to $1,500. She rejected my counteroffer of $1,600 and was very firm ......