can my landlord raise my rent for 2 yrs? (apartments, lease)

[purplelish]

My husband and I signed a 2 year lease 2 yrs ago, and did so because we knew we liked our apartment and would have no problem commiting. Then at the end of the 2 yr. lease, the management raised our rent by $80.00! way over the 5% that is allowed,they actually increased for each of the 2 years! Can they do that? We signed the new lease, but I felt cheated, so we have actually lived here for 4 years, and pay the same amount as new tenants who move in, however they have all brand new upgrades. In my opinion because our apartment is not upgraded at all... our rent should be about $40.00-60.00 less than the brand new apartments. Our apartment, have single pane windows, my son's room stays cold constantly, the maintanence gave us a weatherizaition kit, and told me WE have to install it! And they plastic does not even fit the oversized windows, why do we have to install it? These are their s***** windows! An inspector came last year, and did not even look at the windows! He did however point out my cable wire that I had going over the floor in my dining area, and reminded me that was a tripping hazard! ARE YOU SERIOUS? LOOK AT MY WINDOWS MAN! He must have been paid off!

Lisa , Eastampton Garden apartments, mount holly, nj

[brook2ga]

This may answer some of your questions:

LSNJLAW - H: Chapter 7: Rent Increases

[purplelish]

Thanks. It was funny, but I remember not even getting a copy of the new lease to sign, they did not send me anything but a warning letter saying they will take possession if I do not sign, but I new it was up anyway.