Changing my rental rate (apartment, tenants, landlord)

[frustrated renter]

I am relocating out of state and gave the required 30 day notice and was told I was responsible for the remaining 8 months on my 1 year lease and that I could advertise to get another tenant that they would approve. Okay. However, when I got another tenant applicant and sent them to the landlord. They were informed that they wanted a 13% increase in the rent that I was paying without informing me! Am I responsible to get them a tenant for $1100 per month rather than my contract for $975 per month? Is this legal to require me to get them more money than my original contract?!!!

[EscapeCalifornia]

What does the lease say? I don't think they can do that.

[Ultrarunner]

Many Cities have rent boards and non-profits that provide free or low cost counseling to renters... and don't forget legal aid.

I would look at my lease and go from there. Generally, when a residential lease is broken by the tenant, the owner has a duty to mitigate damages by re-renting the unit as soon as possible.

I think you could make a good case that the owner is blatantly not trying to mitigate loses by delaying the time it takes to re-rent by increasing the rent 13%.

Another avenue, mostly overlooked, is the local apartment owners association. While true, it's purpose is to serve apartment owners, it often will intercede on a tenants behalf with at least a call to a member owner. Remember, the association has a stake in minimizing negative publicity and it is not good Public Relations to have disgruntled tenants.

[Paula Lynn]

If she's taking over your lease, the lease terms cannot be changed for 8 months. On the other hand, you're breaking your lease and if the owners are starting over with a new contract, they can raise the rent to whatever amount they want.