According to the Rent Coach at Brickunderground.com, it is possible to do so as long as the tenant negotiates it before moving in. That way he or she has more leverage with the landlord. He advises, during negotiation, renters ask to include a renew option as well as an escalation clause (it specifies how much rent increase is permissible should the tenant decide to renew the lease).These options give them a "contractual right to renew at terms agreed on now".
