How much has your rent gone up? National average is 60% since 2008 (blog.infochimps.com)

Mine actually went down (about $25-$50/month per year). Kind of like getting a raise, when it comes time to re-sign your rental agreement, you can tell them you have been looking around and want a decrease in rent.

If you always pay on time, they will do it. The almost guaranteed income for them is worth it.