[hate2move]

We've lived in a large company-managed apartment building for about 8 months and are asked whether we want to renew our lease (already a problem, since it is more than 4 months before its end and as graduate students who might go abroad for research work, it is a major gamble whatever we decide). The real problem, however, is that the landlord offers a new price for the place which represents more than 4.5% increase on what we've been paying. Both of us lived in different places also in New Haven before where no such automatic increases were applied. None of my friends who also live around town have experienced any rent increases without major work being done to their apartments. Do you think it is unreasonable for us to refuse the increase and to want to renew our contract at the same price we've been paying till now? We are otherwise exemplary tenants and have had no previous fights or any other problems with our landlord company.

I would appreciate any advice, personal experiences or comments (especially if there are any landlords on this forum - how does it seem from your point of view)?

Thanks,

H2M

[Rich Lee]

Originally Posted by hate2move

We've lived in a large company-managed apartment building for about 8 months and are asked whether we want to renew our lease (already a problem, since it is more than 4 months before its end and as graduate students who might go abroad for research work, it is a major gamble whatever we decide). The real problem, however, is that the landlord offers a new price for the place which represents more than 4.5% increase on what we've been paying. Both of us lived in different places also in New Haven before where no such automatic increases were applied. None of my friends who also live around town have experienced any rent increases without major work being done to their apartments. Do you think it is unreasonable for us to refuse the increase and to want to renew our contract at the same price we've been paying till now? We are otherwise exemplary tenants and have had no previous fights or any other problems with our landlord company.

I would appreciate any advice, personal experiences or comments (especially if there are any landlords on this forum - how does it seem from your point of view)?

Thanks,

H2M

As a real estate agent, I cannot give legal advice. However, if you have a lease signed by both parties, you have a contract. Whoever attempts to modify the contract is breaking the original agreement allowing the other party to pursue legal action.

As for the increase, your landlord can charge as much as (s)he wants after this contract concludes. If (s)he cashes any additional checks beyond the current lease term, the landlord has then agreed to a month-to-month continuation of the original contract and its terms.

[kd83]

Originally Posted by hate2move

We've lived in a large company-managed apartment building for about 8 months and are asked whether we want to renew our lease (already a problem, since it is more than 4 months before its end and as graduate students who might go abroad for research work, it is a major gamble whatever we decide). The real problem, however, is that the landlord offers a new price for the place which represents more than 4.5% increase on what we've been paying. Both of us lived in different places also in New Haven before where no such automatic increases were applied. None of my friends who also live around town have experienced any rent increases without major work being done to their apartments. Do you think it is unreasonable for us to refuse the increase and to want to renew our contract at the same price we've been paying till now? We are otherwise exemplary tenants and have had no previous fights or any other problems with our landlord company.

I would appreciate any advice, personal experiences or comments (especially if there are any landlords on this forum - how does it seem from your point of view)?

Thanks,

H2M

It seems to happen in a lot of places. Costs of living go up thats the way it is. A year has gone by, many things have gotten more expensive since last year. I know what you're dealing with tho, I hate the raise every year in rent b/c they know they already have you wanting to come back since you're already moved in and comfortable where you are. I think that is a small part of the reason they do it. Maybe time to ask your current employer for more hours or a cost of living raise. The landlord does have the right to raise the price, but if that drives you out and they are unable to soon after find someone to fill your spot then they are not gaining money. Bring that up if you choose to refuse, along with your above par tenantship and the fact that you will seek housing elsewhere. Good luck!

[jxu66]

Legally, they cannot increase your rent until you complete the lease agreement. However, once the lease term is up, the company certainly can increase the rent.

I don't know about CT market. I know certainly apartment in Georgia increase by 10% last year. 5 to 6% is commonplace here. That's all because of mortgage rate increase. There are a lot more people who demand the apartment now then before because they cannot afford to buy first time house.