Anyone have suggestions on getting rent lowered

[MrDingleDangle]

I have lived in this apartment for 2 years and when i first moved in the person i was rooming with had lived here for a year, so basically 3 years without all tenants moving out. Since ending our last lease we have been on month to month for a while now.

the landlord now says rent will be increased $55 a month, not too much since 3 of us live here, but I feel that the price for rent already was steep for my apartment in the area.

If he does not lower it I will move out at the end of the year, but as school is just starting I really dont have the time to move right now. I probably would have stayed at the old rent, but my current roommates will be moving anyway (leaving the state)

One friend suggested I print out a list of prices of local apartments that are around the same size and/or nicer buildings and write him a letter on my intent to look for other apartments (without saying I will be moving right away)

My previous apartment I paid about $100 a month less and it was nicer although slightly smaller

any suggestions for what to say so i dont get my landlord pissed? should I wait until I am ready to move out before I do this, or do it immediately before the price is officially changed?

 

[AccruedExpenditure]

My sources say no

 

[farmercal]

Just move somewhere cheaper

 

[YetioDoom]

Move.

 

[Ipno]

Go to your landlord and explain the situation and ask him to explain why he feels he needs to raise your rent by $55. When he tells you to STFU, move.

 

[MrDingleDangle]

do you guys even read what i wrote or just respond?...i said i cant move for a year, this is a small building < 15 apartments

 

[Darthvoy]

If my understanding is correct they are not allowed to raise the rent by more than 3% after every lease expires. If the new total is more than 3% than what you paid before...sue their b!tch asses.

 

[ttown]

offer to renew/resign a 1 year lease at the old rate

that gives him the hint it's too high for you. You might even say "that's more than the budget you had planned".

So, then it's his choice between guaranteed rent for a year to someone responsible (assuming you're a responsible, good tennant) vs you moving out and him having to gamble (possibly multiple times) on a new tennant.

 

[kranky]

Originally posted by: Darthvoy
If my understanding is correct they are not allowed to raise the rent by more than 3% after every lease expires. If the new total is more than 3% than what you paid before...sue their b!tch asses.

You know, I'm thinking about starting a list of all the ATOT posts that recommend filing suit for something that's not illegal, but I'm afraid I could never keep up with it.

 

[MrMaster]

Originally posted by: Darthvoy
If my understanding is correct they are not allowed to raise the rent by more than 3% after every lease expires. If the new total is more than 3% than what you paid before...sue their b!tch asses.

Guess it depends on the community or state. I never heard of this one nor does it even make any sense.

 

[waggy]

Originally posted by: Darthvoy
If my understanding is correct they are not allowed to raise the rent by more than 3% after every lease expires. If the new total is more than 3% than what you paid before...sue their b!tch asses.

depends on if the area is rent controled. NOT all cities are.

go talk to the landlord and see if they can lower it. IF not then plan on moveing. you really have no other choice.

 

[Aharami]

i doubt it will make any difference

 

[codeyf]

Originally posted by: ttown
offer to renew/resign a 1 year lease at the old rate

that gives him the hint it's too high for you. You might even say "that's more than the budget you had planned".

So, then it's his choice between guaranteed rent for a year to someone responsible (assuming you're a responsible, good tennant) vs you moving out and him having to gamble (possibly multiple times) on a new tennant.

/thread

 

[Toasthead]

Originally posted by: farmercal
Just move somewhere cheaper

 

[kermalou]

just pay the extra 55 a month, its not worth moving for such a little increase.

and no it is not illegal.

 

[Homerboy]

tax rates go up? Rent goes up? Makes sense to me... but I have no idea WTH I'm talking about.

 

[waggy]

Originally posted by: Homerboy
tax rates go up? Rent goes up? Makes sense to me... but I have no idea WTH I'm talking about.

Nope you have no idea what you talking about! taxes go up? wtf planet you live on! they NEVER go UP! sheesh!


but yeah this could be why. $55 is not bad over 2 years

 

[habib89]

well if you're not willing to move, then pay the $55.. if i were a landlord, and i increased the rent, i wouldn't make any special cases for anyone

 

[xospec1alk]

if demand is high, theres no reason for the landlord to cater to you...

in fact, im willing to bet if you move out, he'd probably command an even higher price than what you are paying now

 

[Savarak]

hes just making you pay his extra gas prices

 

[Boxxcar]

Did anyone say Blackmail?