Can a landlord increase a security deposit once you have moved in?

Question

We had to renew our lease and the business manager informed me and our neighbors that the original deposit would increase and we must pay it by the end of the month. I am curious if this is actually legal since we have all lived in the apartments over 2 years.

Answer 1

Not if u have a contract, in writing.

Answer 2

I can't imagine that they can ask for an increase in the deposit, rent yes but not sure about the deposit.  I thought that the deposit was used in case things were broken, or damaged.  I would contact a attorney and run it by them first.  If you do not know of one that you feel comfortable asking that too you could always contact another apartment complex and ask them.  Of course you wouldn't want to tell them the company you are renting from now.  

Check your lease too.

Answer 3

If you haven't already signed a lease and paid for the place, I would look into another place, sounds like a slum loard to me.  I recomend taking photos of carpets windows walls ect upon moving in, because they'll most likely keep your deposit and try to get more money out of you when you move out too.   I had a landloard once that took me to court once for 2 months rent after I moved out, luckily I had all my receipts filed still. and the case got dismissed. Be careful.  good luck!

Answer 4

I would honestly think not...I have renewed my lease and still not had to pay another security deposit, i believe its for when you move in not everytime you renew your lease...

Answer 5

Unless the new lease specifically said that your security deposit would be increased, there can not be an increase.  They can not change terms of the contract, after the contract is signed.

It seems questionable that you received a call asking for higher security deposit. You should never make such a payment, unless it is part of the lease. This sounds more like an attempt for an interest free loan!

You can verify this with your local housing authority, just to make sure.

Answer 6

Read your current lease, word for word, not skimming it.

Does it mention any terms related to month by month or automatic renewals, or that you will have to sign a new lease.

I say this all the time, most folks confuse legal with ethical or maybe against statute, but no the "Increased Security Deposit Police" will not be showing up and putting the apt staff in handcuffs.  And even if it does violate some state statue regarding renting, you would have to move out and then sue for damages.

You say "had". So I guess you have already signed the lease, so moot point.  

Lesson, a lot of times someone will say....You have to do this because it is the new rule.   That is when you have to negotiate. Your answer would be, not I will not pay additional security deposit. And they can say OK, the corporate office requires this, so your lease is up and you can move out.

Or you could make some calls to upper management, complain, etc and see if that works.

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Answer 7

When you sign a lease you agree to certain terms for a certain length of time.  When you sign another lease, there is another set of terms.  Usually most places don't increase their deposit unless you are really bad pay or it seems you may be a problem and they don't care whether you stay or not or they simply may be catching up with the increase in the cost of repairs like everyone else.  It isn't unreasonable.  You don't have to sign the second lease, you can leave.

Answer 8

read the fine print on the contracts aka leases that you signed. that is if you still have them it would be smart to.

Answer 9

I'd tell them to get stuffed.

Ask them to point out where in your contract it says that they can do this?

Answer 10

You are renewing the lease, they can change the price at that time.

It is completely legal.

Answer 11

If you are in New York, the answer is YES.

Answer 12

In most places no. I would refer to your states tenant laws. Try googling it. Good luck!