This week readers visited Brick Underground to check out an updated list of ways to negotiate when you receive a lease renewal notice with a big rent increase. The New York City rental market is very different now compared to when you signed your lease, so it's important to research current rents for similar-sized apartments before you ask your landlord if you can get a better deal. And don't forget to stay calm during negotiations.

Also of interest: Nearly one in five new leases signed in Manhattan last month involved a bidding war, according to the Elliman Report.

Here are this week's top five posts:

1) 8 ways to negotiate your rent when renewing your lease

2) One in five Manhattan rentals went to a bidding war last month

3) From West Village to Hell’s Kitchen: I moved to a luxury building for love, but it didn’t last

4) My apartment lease is ending and I didn't receive a renewal notice. What does this mean?

5) What you need to know about living in Astoria, Queens, a diverse haven for foodies