Landlord altered lease after I signed it. What can I do?

Question

Yesterday my wife and I signed a 4 month extension to our rental lease on our apartment. Later that day someone taped a copy of the lease to our door that had been altered ($50 dollar increase to rent per month).

Is it illegal to alter a lease after it’s signed? Especially without any kind of notification...

Any suggestions as to what we can do?

We are pretty new to Florida and don't really know if there are any specific laws that apply here in this state.

Thanks everyone for your input.

Answer 1

I don't care what state it happens in since altering a completed and signed instrument is against the law in all states. However hearsay is hearsay and without witnesses to the effect that indeed the instrument was signed and then altered or you have a copy of the original instrument showing the difference you won't get satisfaction.
Here are the links that you should visit as you progress on the issue.
Florida General Provisions Property Laws includes tenant/landlords isssues http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0715/ch0715.htm
LANDLORD TENANT ACT: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm
Landlord tenant main site: http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0083/titl0083.htm&StatuteYear=2004&Title=%2D%3E2004%2D%3EChapter%2083
Landlord tenant handbook: http://www.floridapirg.org/consumer/renters/rrpage1.htm
Landlord tenant brochure: http://www.myflorida.com/dbpr/hr/forms/25/5025_750.pdf
Consumer Services landlord tenant explanation: http://www.800helpfla.com/landlord_text.html
HUD Senior Housing Section 8 http://www.hud.gov/local/index.cfm?state=fl&topic=renting
HUD: Florida Landlord Tenant Laws http://www.hud.gov/local/fl/renting/tenantrights.cfm
Best of luck to you

Answer 2

Of course it is illegal to alter a lease after signing! You have a valid case that will hold up in any court in the United States! What should have been done if he was going to increase your rent by $50 is to fill out a new lease, with the new amount, then get you to sign it. Make a copy of the original lease that you signed, give it to him (don't give them the original) and tell them that was the agreed amount, and that is how much money they will be getting.
Call any lawyer's office and they will trip over themselves trying to represent you....you have a very strong case.

Answer 3

Of course it is illegal. The lease is a contract, for the landlord that you will stay for the agreed upon time, for the tenant you get no rent increase. They are also required to give you thirty days notice prior to increase. You have your copy, you are fine.

Answer 4

first of all, once you bypass right into a organisation contract. it is your accountability to be conscious each and every thing down, have the different occasion sign it and insist a written receipt from the different guy or woman besides. (you are the customer and its the regulation which you get a replica of the contract) Now, in specific circumstances. A verbal contract is binding with the help of regulation. you ought to call for a replica of the hire out of your landlord and once you're chatting along with her. Have somebody with you as a witness. sometimes they'd exchange the writing in the hire inflicting complication for you. good success.

Answer 5

lcircle the area where it was altered , send them a letter registered mail explaining the problem,keep copy for yourself and just pay the amount you agreed on until the problem is resolved.as long as they cash your check they are accepting that payment as a monthly rent.in the memo on your check wright in payment in full for what ever month your paying.even if they dont think they altered the rent they wil have to spend thousands to go after the 200 they tried to screw you out of.and your coverd if they cash your check each month.

Answer 6

ACK ! This is the exact reason you retain a photocopy of everything you sign for your records. Of course it is not appropriate nor legal to alter a contract after it is signed, but absent a photocopy, how do you prove that it was not altered BEFORE you signed it ?

You can attempt to complain to management, but I don't think you will get very far on this one.

Answer 7

You should have a copy of the lease you signed. I would show it to the landlord and if you don't get satisfaction then see a lawyer.

Answer 8

Here's a link to the Division of Consumer Services in Florida...
http://www.800helpfla.com/landlord_text.html
This site should answer your questions.

Answer 9

I would just pay her what you originally agreed to. Sounds like she is trying to get what she can out of you. That way if she does evict you for not paying her bogus rent, you can sue her for whatever debts you occur when moving.

Answer 10

It's fraud, but the only way you can prove this is if you have a copy of the one you signed. Hopefully you kept one...