My landlord collected a first, last and a 100 dollar deposit for the office I rent. About one year later, she called everyone in the building and said that the deposit would be raised to 200.00 and that each of us owed her 100 dollars added to the next months rent. No new lease agreements reflecting the new deposit amount were given to us. Is this legal?
2007-02-19 08:55:54 · 5 answers · asked by prancingmonkey 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
The lease she gave is one she typed up herself, and it says nothing of her right to raise the deposit. Again, she didn't give new leases reflecting that we had paid an additional 100.00. There are 12 tenants in the office, and we are thinking she pocketed 1200.00 for herself.
2007-02-19 09:09:37 · update #1
It all depends on how long you've been in the lease and what the terms of that lease are. I would imagine it's "legal" for her to do that, but, it's probably not smart of her to do that. From a CYA perspective, you should get something in writing.
If I were you, I would ask her to come by and bring a revised copy of the lease for you to sign with the new deposit amount.
You could check the landlord/tenant laws in your area for specific rights and responsibilities that apply to your situation.
2007-02-19 09:05:03 · answer #1 · answered by Tom 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It seems that you had a 1 year lease that is now up. If so, yes, the landlord can change anything on it she wants - rent, deposit, terms, conditions, etc. However, check the lease for an automatic renewal clause - something to the effect that if you don't let her know that you are terminating by a certain date, the lease is automatically renewed for another year. If this is in the lease, she cannot change anything because you are still operating under the original lease. In any event, I would not lose any sleep over this: a deposit must be returned to you when you vacate unless you have caused some damage or owe late fees. Hope this helps. Have a nice day.
2007-02-19 09:08:56 · answer #2 · answered by Pete 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Read your lease and perhaps speak with an attorney. I have never heard of raising the deposit, only the monthly or yearly rent.
2007-02-19 09:03:33 · answer #3 · answered by Molly 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NOPE!
He accepted the $100 as the deposit a year ago and he can't raise it a year later. He's just wanting everyone to pull his butt out of some hole he got himself into.
Don't pay it, what's he gonna do, kick you out for it? You'd have him in court so fast his head would swim.
2007-02-19 09:11:49 · answer #4 · answered by Kevin A 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read your lease
2007-02-19 09:00:54 · answer #5 · answered by Peter 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋