Rockrose/200 Water---to renew or not to renew?

I'm also in a Rockrose building, and when we tried to negotiate last year found that they were very, very unwilling to negotiate. Your best bet is to try NY Bits and Streeteasy, look for same-building comps and be forewarned that the data in both places is not that robust. It doesn't take into account concessions and so forth - there just isn't as much transparency in the rental market. Also see if you can find any near competitors like Glenwood, Rose Associates, Related, etc. that are offering concessions. My view is that a broker is not going to help you very much, but a few calls to leasing offices at other buildings will. Plus you can get some of the legwork out of the way if you do decide to move.

Rockrose has a well-deserved reputation for being very difficult to deal with. Good luck.

Your best way to renegotiate is to make it clear that you will leave. It sounds like this would not be a bluff anyway since you have stated already you can't afford it. Make them a counteroffer. As much as it costs to move, it costs them to have a vacant apartment for at least a month. Landlords count on the fact that tenants hate to move and will pay to avoid it.

2 gold

When exactly is your lease up? Your best bet is to find one or two alternative places you'd actually be happy to move into unless they give you a rent of X. Having the cards is much easier than bluffing.

You should also see if there are any other 1 BRs available in your building. Call Rockrose annonymously and see if they are offering any concessions on those 1 BRs. If they are, offer to renew with the same concessions.

Thanks for the advice so far! (I just realized that I posted in Sales when I should have posted in Rentals -- my apologies)

What is the best way to go about finding alternative 1 bedrooms in the financial district? Should I print out Craigslist posts to present to the Rockrose leasing agent (is that even a credible source considering a lot of them may be fake ads posted by brokers)? NYTimes? Check out places by setting up appointments or walking around?

Craigslist is useless; it is not a credible source and will detonate your case if you attempt to use it.

NYBits.com and Streeteasy are places to start, but you will want to go to the leasing offices websites to check on availability. Making calls posing as a renter is also a reasonable bet. Inonada is right that the best bet is having the cards in hand before negotiating, and being prepared to walk if you can't reach a deal.

Also see this thread:
http://streeteasy.com/nyc/talk/discussion/22228-advice-on-negotiating-lease-renewal-w-archstone

And search the boards.

Great! I had a friend call the Rockrose leasing agent (as per omega's recommendation) and they are not offering concessions to new renters.

I just called 2 Gold and they offer one month free over a 12 month lease (so a $3050 apartment ends up being $2800).

I will continue the hunt and keep you posted! Thanks again to everyone for their advice so far!