In 1993, The Habitat Co. abolished apartment rent concessions. During a time when Chicago communities were offering prospective residents up to four months of free rent, Habitat, a Chicago-based owner, manager and developer of multifamily housing, ran full-page ads in local newspapers announcing the company's new stand against offering concessions. As far as Habitat executives were concerned, the strength or softness of the Chicago market had nothing to do with their decision. It was about principle.