One-third of property managers offering rental concessions, Zillow data shows

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — More than half of all Zillow rental listings in Nashville are offering concessions, according to the latest data . Close to 60,000 multi-family units were built nationwide in June, which is more than in any month in the past 50 years.

The key takeaway: renters in Nashville should negotiate terms and shop around next time their lease expires. Concessions include three months of free rent at some buildings.

“It’s not shocking at all,” founder and CEO of Apartment Insiders Joel Sanders told News 2. “There has been a very big boom in multifamily construction — apartment construction — across the United States. Very specifically: across markets in the south.”

Sanders said that it’s a good time to be on the lookout for a new rental, especially in Music City.

“About a third of the communities across the country are offering concessions,” Sanders said. “In Nashville, it also states that about half of the communities are offering concessions, and that’s what we are seeing at Apartment Insiders as well.”

The rental market cooldown has opened up concessions like free weeks of rent or free parking to attract new renters. Rental experts like Sanders believe things could stay this way for at least the next year.

“I anticipate apartment communities in Nashville to offer more competitive concessions than they are even offering today,” Sanders added. “With that said, a lot of apartment owners are looking to 2026 and 2027 as potentially being the years that they don’t have to give away so much free rent.”

You may be wondering if a part of these concessions can include negotiating your rent altogether to a lower price. Sanders said that it’s not likely to happen, but there are ways you can still make the market work for you.

“You’re not going to get offered a different rental rate, or you’re not really able to negotiate with these major landlords. However, if you are quoted a price on one day, come back the next. It could be different,” Sanders said. “Pricing can change daily in a Nashville market. Shop around, but once you find that one that you’re looking for, go ahead and pull the trigger.”

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