SOUTHWEST FLORIDA - Think your landlord would never lower your rent? It's not out of the question, thanks to the large housing surplus.

WINK News gives you some tips to take advantage of the market.

"Free Rent!" It's the sign of a renter's market.

"Condos, town homes and apartments have lowered their rent substantially," said Sherri Campanale of the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers.

Sherri Campanale says their Horizons Complex isn't the only affordable apartment anymore.

The market has changed so much, landlords are making what they call generous offers and some are even undercutting what the housing authority charges.

"What you won't see in our developments is the rents going back up once the market recovers," said Campanale.

When renter Kathryn Yates noticed her neighbors were paying less, she was a little frustrated. "They're paying so much less for you know, the exact same square footage as we have," she said.

Yates asked the manager for a lower rate but... "They wouldn't budge at all," she said.

Campanale says in some cases, especially if it's a private owner, you can successfully negotiate. "I absolutely would start a conversation with my landlord and say I don't really want to move but what can you do for me to stay?" she said.

Tips to keep in mind:
- Compare going rates in your neighborhood.
- Consider signing a longer contract and if you made improvements to the property, that could help lower your rent.
- Don't play hardball with your landlord.

"Yes they have the negotiating power today, but 12 months from now, who's gonna have the power? The landlord or the resident?" said Campanale.

Look at the big picture because deals like this won't last.

"My advice to people is not to just jump at something because it looks really good because it might only be good for right now," she said.

Only qualified applicants can live in housing authority properties which includes income restrictions.