Is is legal for an apartment manager to raise one tenant's rent if another tenant moves out?

Question

My mother lives in an apartment complex that is Equal Housing Opportunity. She doesn't make much money but when she does get a raise her rent goes up a bit, which is to be expected.
Now, what boggles my mind is that whenever one of her neighbors (that also live in the same complex) move out, the apartment manager raises her rent and everyone elses in the complex to make up for the difference. There are about 8 different complexes that belong to these apartments and each complex has 8 units. So when one person moves out 7 other tenants have their rent raised and when someone else moves in the rent stays up and doesnt come back down.

So! My question, is this legal?

Answer 1

I would contact an attorney...I doubt this is legal. When people go into the business of becoming landlords or managers...they have to expect that people will be moving in and out, and be able to cover the costs involved as a business expense. If you mother and other tennants have a lease it should state the amount to be paid monthly and in this case the landlord as well as tennant is legally bound by the lease agreement

Answer 2

It depends on the terms of the lease and the state that your mother lives in as to when, how and how much a landlord can raise the rent.

There should be a pro bono tenants assistance organization in her city. She should contact them.

Answer 3

No. You can't change your own locks. Read your lease very carefully...most will have a clause that says something about management always having access to your apartment in the event of an emergency situation. It is true that you are supposed to give 24hr notice prior to entry in OH, but you say they are just going in without notice. When they do, is any of your items missing? Damage to your property done? In these events you do have grounds to report them to fair housing, but unless you can prove first of all that they just go in without notice, your things are damaged or disrupted in anyway then you changing your locks would be a breach of lease. In the event that you do change them and they need to enter your apartment for any reason, they will drill the lock out (not break down the door) and you will be charged for the costs accrued in lock change and key issuance.

Answer 4

Yes, unless she has a lease. Without a lease, the landlord can raise the rent as much and as often as he wishes.

Answer 5

That's really odd. She does have a lease, doesn't she? I would read it very carefully. And find a different place to live as soon as possible.

Answer 6

they can set the price to what ever they want. They have bills that need paid as well. any quetions concerning legalities should be directed to a Lawyer