I signed a lease that states rent as $1,300 with a maximum of 4 people living in this house. However, we are paying $1,200 because the landlord "meant" to change it to $1,200, but couldn't using the lease she printed off the net. So far, there are 3 of us living here, splitting up the $1,200 rent. We are in the process of getting a 4th roommate, only to find out that the landlord says she will increase rent to $1,500 to cover their mortgage if the 4th person moves in. The lease states nothing about raising rent. Is this legal? I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan and have been trying to find legislation on this. Please help!
2007-07-14 09:33:45 · 10 answers · asked by Lacey 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Even though you have been paying $1200 for rent when it says $1300, if the 4th roommate moves in (with her agreement) then she certainly can charge you the $1300 as stated in the lease. Double check and make sure the additional $200 ($1500) does not include an increase in the utilities that you may be responsible for as per your lease. Then she just may be able to charge the full $1500.
2007-07-14 16:06:41 · answer #1 · answered by kimmamarie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What state are you in? Some states may require certain appliances (e.g. "cooking facilities"), others do not. In CA, for example, it is nearly impossible to find apartments which provide refrigerators - which often seems rather crazy! But CA law only stipulates "cooking facilities." Read your lease. You state you installed the washer & dryer halfway thru lease term. If the lease is expiring soon, the LL can definitely stipulate a rental increase or other changes in lease terms for a new or renewal lease effective the date the new lease term starts. A lease is only valid for the stated term of that contract. Once that contract date is up, everything is subject to renegotiation for a new lease, or else the lease is terminated and you move out by the last day of the lease term. If the LL is not talking about an effective date as of the new lease term, but with immediate effect, he can probably do it anyway under your state's laws. Why? You made a significant change to the property by installing the washer which significantly changed water usage! If you are paying the electric bill, while you might not install a window AC or attach anything to the building (there may be building codes in effect which would prohibit this, it might not be the LL's doing), there are portable cooling units you can use inside to cool your apt. No need to suffer through a heat wave. If LL pays electric, of course, you would need to get LL's approval to use something which drains power. Get a couple of these portable units - check WalMart, Home Depot, Lowe's, etc. - if you pay the electric bill. No permission would be required for portables as long as you're paying.
2016-04-01 04:16:45 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The landlord can only charge the amount within the 4 corners of the contract for the number of people in the contract. Below is a couple of websites that might help. When you send the landlord the letter it mentions please be sure you do it by certified mail so you will have proof, get all your records and when you leave take pictures or even better video because the landlord might try to get back at you so take proper steps to protect yourself. Hope these help and good luck!
2007-07-14 10:04:10 · answer #3 · answered by Etta P 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can only be charged what is clearly stated on your lease andsigned by all parties. if it said a maximum of 4 can reside for 1200 then pay just that. if she continues to pester you about it let her know you would need to see in your lease where that is outlined. give her a chance to show you. if she says she will take you to court then go because no court will side with someone who is violating the terms of the lease. most courts side with the tenant rather than the landlord. dont be afraid to stand your ground esp if u have 1 yr lease. just keep paying ur stated rent and u should be fine.
2007-07-14 10:54:18 · answer #4 · answered by spadezgurl22 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
She cannot do that. The lease has the rent printed on it. Call your local housing authority.
2007-07-14 09:37:04 · answer #5 · answered by Elizabeth L 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it's not legal. But if you have a signed lease that says $1,300 she can certainly raise it up to that.
2007-07-14 09:38:28 · answer #6 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
She can't do that find a number in your phone book that deals with this kinda stuff you have a copy of the lease bring that with you! good luck! :)
2007-07-14 09:41:06 · answer #7 · answered by Jamie Sunshine 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.megalaw.com/mi/top/milandlord.php
Try the website above it is for Michigan landlord and tenant rights.
Good Luck
2007-07-14 09:40:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you both signed a contract he cannot do it. dont let him and if he tries to kick you out get a lawyer.
2007-07-14 09:38:52 · answer #9 · answered by da_jtac_0 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope, she is SOL.
2007-07-14 11:16:01 · answer #10 · answered by Expert8675309 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋