You think I know? Can only guess based on what I know.
Obviously, one of the reason for softer market is because schools have started. So Harriet & you are quite right but not 100% right 
This year is softer than last year. My guess is there are lesser out-of-state guys or too many rentals trying to capitalized on this fact. The out-of-state guys are usually given 1-2 weeks to tour and make a decision, so they tend to pay a higher rental than those who are already here. After 1 year, they would try to negotiate lower or look for cheaper rentals. This year when I was trying to rent out, hardly any out-of-state, they are currently renting and from all over the places as depicted in the map I show (wuqijun - not pluck from the air, you implied my map covered too wide).