Group 1 - The rental market is experiencing an unprecedented influx of over 12 million graduates in 2025, marking the largest graduating class in history [1] - Traditionally, the graduation season is a peak rental period, even surpassing the post-Spring Festival rental rush [2] - However, the expected surge in demand has not materialized, with first-tier cities showing lackluster performance, leading landlords to engage in aggressive competition to attract tenants [3][4] Group 2 - Landlords are breaking traditional rental norms, with practices like "one month deposit and three months rent" being replaced by lower prices and "zero deposit monthly payment" becoming the new standard [4][5] - Some savvy landlords are offering incentives such as "renting with appliances" to appeal to young renters [5] - The competitive landscape has led to a "customer snatching war," with landlords actively seeking tenants in public spaces [17][56] Group 3 - The rental market is characterized by a significant increase in available rental units, with a 138% rise in rental listings in Beijing compared to three years ago, reaching 90,352 units [76] - The overall rental inventory in 55 cities nationwide has surged by 45% year-on-year, creating a historical high [76] - This oversupply has forced landlords to adopt a multi-faceted competitive approach, focusing on pricing, service, and value for money [77][78] Group 4 - Young renters are increasingly opting for flexible living arrangements, such as short-term rentals and co-living spaces, due to high traditional rental prices and deposit pressures [66][70] - The introduction of affordable public rental housing and the growth of long-term rental apartments are diversifying living options for young people [67][70] - The rental market is undergoing a deep adjustment, with all participants needing to find new survival strategies in a saturated environment [78]