BTW, I live in Massachusetts. What can I do about the raise? No matter what I said, he still insisted on raising the rent, complaining that mortgage interest, taxes, water, and the cost of everything has gone up.
2007-01-19 07:56:25 · 13 answers · asked by KaN 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Well since I live in Massachusetts to I can provide you with laws and regulations regarding tenants rights.
Here is Masschusetts response towards rise on rent:
"Rent Increases: A rental increase may be any amount the landlord wishes to charge. Rent for a tenant with a lease can be increased only when the lease term expires. Tenants at will may face a rent increase any time, as long as notice is received at least one full rental period, but not less than 30 days, before it becomes effective."
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=ocaterminal&L=4&L0=Home&L1=Consumer&L2=Housing+Information&L3=Tenant+%26+Landlord&sid=Eoca&b=terminalcontent&f=tenants_rights_and_responsibilities&csid=Eoca
Here are some links you should definately check out regarding tenant rights and landlord rights in the state of Masschusetts:
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=ocasubtopic&L=4&L0=Home&L1=Consumer&L2=Housing+Information&L3=Tenant+%26+Landlord&sid=Eoca
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=ocasubtopic&L=4&L0=Home&L1=Consumer&L2=Housing+Information&L3=Tenant+%26+Landlord&sid=Eoca
http://www.hud.gov/renting/index.cfm
As long as the landlord followed the correct procedure and gave you proper notice which is sated in Mass law then yes he can raise the rent $300 to meet the cost of living in this state.
If the landlord did not follow correct procedure then you need to file a complete with the Attorney General's Office at this link:
http://www.ago.state.ma.us/sp.cfm?pageid=1135
Good Luck & Sorry to hear about you rent.
2007-01-19 13:53:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you have a current, valid lease with the landlord that defines the rent amount for a period in time, ie 6 months, he can raise it as much as he wishes. Some leases that have a term of 6 or 12 months with a "Fixed" rent will automatically turn into a "Month to Month" after the term ends. Then the landlord can raise the rent or add other terms. Try to negotiate with your landlord, perhaps the cost of finding another tenant will sway him into giving you a break.
2007-01-19 09:49:52 · answer #2 · answered by Nick E 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have a lease then look at it. If it says that the rate of the rent will be 800 then he cannot raise it, it is fixed. If the lease states that the landlord has the right to raise the rent then he is allowed. If you don't have a lease or rental agreement then you have no say in how much he charges.
2007-01-19 08:00:27 · answer #3 · answered by paganmom 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First off how long have you been there? Typically you sign a one year lease. If the lease is not up he can not raise it. If the lease is up and you did not sign a new one then you are on a month to month lease. Laws vary on what the landlord can do at this point. If there is no provision in your lease for month to month then he has every right to raise it. There may be local landlord tenant laws in your area as to how much. That you will have to look into. Your local courthouse could direct you the best on that.
But I believe that odds are he is within his right and the percentage seems to be correct. Again you need to check local statue on that.
Also if you are on a month to month lease because your old one expired then he is allowed to. Unless the original lease has a provision for it.
2007-01-19 08:07:54 · answer #4 · answered by logan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He can do most whatever he likes with the rent, he is just showing how greedy some americans have become. Three hundred is allot though, what a jerk. But if you have a lease agreement, then no he cannot raise it without consulting you and having you agree, unless othewise stated in the agreement. So if you have an agreement then look through it and see if he has the right.
2007-01-19 08:07:21 · answer #5 · answered by mykd4sound 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many costs have risen in the last year. I have had to raise the rent on my properties just to break even too. Before you do move or complain check out the other rentals in your area. Move if you can find a better deal but look first.
2007-01-19 09:31:10 · answer #6 · answered by sm4125 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you ever sign a contract/lease agreement? Check in that to see if there was anything about raising the rent. Otherwise, I'd start looking for a new place to live. That's pretty uncool.
2007-01-19 08:00:14 · answer #7 · answered by agendagal 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you are on a lease he legally can't do that.
Find a lawyer who will do a free consultation, and find out how to sue him. he'll end up having to pay you back, and more.
My landlords lease was also illegal. It said she had rights that she really didn't have, and the landlord can be fined for each illegal thing they have printed. They can also be fined if it is missing anything that it has to say by law.
2007-01-19 08:07:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Suggest to him that he should refinance to a fixed rate loan!
He's getting smacked down by an interest rate hike and he's passing the expense on to you!
(Unless Mass has some strange laws, he's allowed to charge whatever he wants as long as he gives you proper notice. Personally, I'd move. There's no way I could absorb such an increase without having an equal benefit in return.)
2007-01-19 07:59:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unless you are in a rent controlled area, your landlord can raise the rent as much as he wishes.
2007-01-19 08:00:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋