I live in one of the higher end complexs in the triad. Every year they try to raise my rent at least 4%. In five years, I have upgraded from a 1 bedroom to a 2 bedroom and I am only paying $30 more a month from my orignal rent price 5 years ago. There are people in my building, like yourself I assume, who are paying $150 more than me a month for the same place.
EDIT: I'm not sure how much wheeling and dealing you can do when you move in, but once your there they would rather keep you than have to try to rent it out again.