My rent has increased?

Question

My rent is $670 a month and that is what it says on the contract. This past week i received a letter saying that due to energy costs they will be raising the monthly rent by $15 starting in September. No where on the contract says that the price of the rent is subject to change. What is the point of a contract if they can raise prices whenever they wish? Do i have a legitimate case to complain?

Answer 1

If your lease does not have a provision for increase of rent DURING the renting term given, then they may not raise the rent until the END of your renting term.

Send them a letter (certified mail) that your lease does not provide for this increase and you do not intend to pay additional fees that were not set out upon the initiation of your lease.

If they argue, pay the rent you OWE them (the $670) and make them take you to court for the rest. When you go to court, show the judge your lease and point out that there is no provision for increase in rent during the leasing period. The judge will (99.9% of the time) rule in your favor and you will be protected from a rent hike until the end of your renting term.

Answer 2

It can be increased when the lease renews.  If you are yearly it is once a year, but any month if you are a month to month tenant.

You have to be given 30 days notice of the increase, at which time you can give your 30 day notice of moving if you disagree.

Answer 3

Depends on how long the lease is for.

If you signed a 1 yr lease, then at the beginning of the new lease, they can raise your rent.  They can NOT however raise it in the middle of a lease.

Answer 4

YES you do.  UNLESS your lease says otherwise, they can't raise the rent during the time of the lease no matter how much their heating costs have increased.  Some leases where heat is included have a rider permitting an energy surcharge, but most DON'T.  So if you've read your lease in its entirety, very carefully, respond in writing that the lease rental amount will be paid by you, but not the increase during the term of your lease.  AND better make sure you pay ON TIME and keep your nose clean for the rest of your lease term.  

Either you've not read the lease correctly, or they're hoping tenants will not read the lease and just complain and pay, or they don't understand their own obligations under the lease, or. . . . .

Answer 5

yes you do, they are not allowed to raise rent in the middle of a lease without some clause stating they may do so in your lease contract.

but IF your lease is up for renewal in September, they are legally allowed to change rates, they just cannot do it in the middle of a lease.

Answer 6

You do have a good reason to complain. Do you have it in the contract everything included ?? Go threw your contract and get facts. If you are right, then mention it to the owner. If he doesn't change, go to court  

Answer 7

Yes!! I think you can consult a lawyer for legal concerns.

They might find a case against the landlady/landlord. :D