I've been slightly overcharging my roommates the rent. Is this illegal?

Question

I live in NYC. I found this house that I love and it's got several rooms in it. I moved in with my girlfriend, things went south and she moved out later. So, when I had to get a few roommates, I posted an ad on Craigslist, posting the rents probably between 50-100 bucks more than it should have been.

A bunch of people came to see the rooms (even with my slight overcharging, the rents were still only $600 a month and $500 a month) and eventually I found my roommates.

I'm the only person on the lease, so I think i'm in my rights charge whatever I like for the rooms and they would be in their rights to not take it or move out.

Granted, it may not be the nicest thing to do, but as I said, I found the place, I'm the one on the lease with all the money in the security deposit, i'm held completely responsible for everything regarding the place and I also make it a point to ALWAYS buy all the paper towels, lightbulbs, necessities..

Is this illegal? Could I get in trouble? Or evicted?

Answer 1

As long as your landlord does not mind you subleasing this is completely legal.    If your landlord does not agree to subleasing then you can not charge any rent at all, they need to pay the landlord directly.

Answer 2

Not only legal but it's as American as apple pie.  One of my neighbors had enuf roommates to cover the entire mortgage payments.  As you say, she paid for paper towels and probably cleaned more than the others. She put in a 2nd refrigerator to make life easier. She lived for free each month.  I want you to buy a place soon.  You may be an entrepreneur.

Answer 3

I dont think its illegal

its what you wanna charge them! are u subleasing to them?  There is not rule about that

Answer 4

You could charge anything you want unless you're somehow subject to rent control (you probably aren't). There aren't usually laws about what you can charge in a free market economy.

Answer 5

No it's not illegal. Do you think landlords charge what they pay? Besides who's ever going to know.

Answer 6

As long as your lease allows you to rent out part of what you're renting, it should be fine.