I've been living in an apt. complex in Rockville, Md for the past two years. The apartment is owned by a company who owns other apartrment complexes(Equity Residential, to be specific). Anyway, after my first year of living there, they raised my rent by $20 per month, which is fine and expected. Well, this year, they decided to raise my monthly rent by $127.00!!! Can they do this? The average recommended increase for rent is a little over 5%. MY rent was raised by over 12%. Is there some way to fight this? I've been a decent tennant and always submit my rent on time.
2007-12-18 07:51:58 · 25 answers · asked by goldenbear733 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Did you have to sign a new lease? If so, what was the rent charge shown on the lease? They have to charge whatever the lease says.
2007-12-18 07:56:18 · answer #1 · answered by WT 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes my Aunt had her rent raised from $850 to $975 in 1 year! So shedecided to just moved to a townhouse since that and she was in a 1 bedroom high rise building. Now this was in Oxen Hills MD. You have two choices either stay there or see if you can find something cheaper yet better priced. Always remember this one thing the price if you move may go up more then where you are now. So keep that in mind as you look around. Good luck with whatever you decide: )
2007-12-18 08:03:15 · answer #2 · answered by Net 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Assuming you signed a lease for each period prior to when they raised rent you had a choice to resign the lease with the new rate. If not, I don't think they can just raise rent on a whim without any kind of due notice so that you can find some place else to live. Check with your State Real Estate Commission as they will be able to verse you on the landlord tenant laws that would apply here.
2007-12-18 07:55:43 · answer #3 · answered by Dude 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I do not know what state you are in. But, I think that they can. If I were you I would read your lease see what it says about rent increases they could be within their rights to raise your rent that high or they may be trying to pull the wool over their tenants eyes since no one reads the fine print or their entire lease agreements.
I found a couple of websites that might be of assistance to you.
Landlord Tenant Law for all 50 states. Summary of Tenant Landlord Laws, Articles and Landlord Tenant ... www.Rentlaw.com
Landlord Tenant Laws and rights in the US, Canada, England, Scottland, ... Real Estate Broker Directory | National Tenant Register | Business Directory ...
www.thelpa.com/lpa/lllaw.html
Tenant Rights
Free Legal Information & Resources on Real Estate Laws & Lawyers.
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hope this helps
2007-12-18 08:15:08 · answer #4 · answered by georgia3673 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yep, they can. If your lease is up you would have received a new one with notification of an increase. The owners are covering their expenses and that includes taxes, insurance, etc. not to mention utilities and the incredible investment the building is.
I suggest you check other apt. in your rent range. If you feel you are paying more than the going rate for comparable quarters, consider moving.
I have had tenants complain about rents but when they compare what is out there for the price they realize they have it made and shut up. (its usually people that are behind in their rent that complain that the rent is too high.)
2007-12-18 08:05:17 · answer #5 · answered by litl m 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your lease is up for renewal, they give you the required notice in advance and you don't live in a rent-controlled location, then yes, they can.
I would call them and ask if it was a typo. I used to work for a property managing company and I sent out a lease renewal that was waaaay over what it was supposed to be. They called and I sent a new renewal offer with the correct rent. It couldn't hurt to try.
2007-12-18 12:00:59 · answer #6 · answered by Willow Natalia 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can do that. The average RECOMMENDED increase for rent is ... Key word recommended. They can double your rent if they want. They let you know ahead of time how much your new amount will be then you decide whether to stay there or not. It's your choice to pay it.
2007-12-18 08:00:31 · answer #7 · answered by jdecorse25 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do not live in Maryland, but I would have a bunch a questions for the landlord. Is it in your lease that you may be subject to rent increases? I would be looking for a new apartment :o)
2007-12-18 07:57:35 · answer #8 · answered by michelle c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is a new lease, then they can charge whatever they want. With the housing market so bad, a lot of landlords are drastically upping their rent. If it is not a new lease, then they have to continue to charge what the lease says until the lease is up.
2007-12-18 07:56:16 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
anything that isn't rent control can always raise the rent as they wish. if you stay then you pay. if you don't want to pay it then you should try moving somewhere that is more resonable for you. it's possible that the value of land in your area has increased thus forcing the rental agency to increase rent.
2007-12-18 08:09:34 · answer #10 · answered by nytzgrl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋