Probably not, because people don't ask. In 2008 when I was living in NYC, I asked and received 10-15% year over year decreases in rent (3 years). Long time NYers thought I was crazy to even ask. Incredulous I got it. And this was in Manhattan, doorman building, a few blocks from Lehman Bros.
So yeah ask. And be prepared to move. If you aren't prepared to move, you're not ready to save.
So yeah ask. And be prepared to move. If you aren't prepared to move, you're not ready to save.