renovating for rent reduction?

Could you do it?  Commit to renovating your city apartment in exchange for a reduction in rent for a long period of time? This couple in New York did. $19,000 worth of improvements (including labor and materials) in exchange for a $400 a month reduction over a four year period.

I wonder if my landlord might be down for something like this… after all, my husband was the one who sent me this link.  I think he’s looking to get his hands dirty, don’t you?

the yucky before

the pretty after

Slideshow here. All images via New York Times.