Bait and Switch Lease

[NoMoreSnowForMe]

Originally Posted by Kim in FL

I got a lease sent over today. It is 28 pages and says the rent is $3067, but that the landlord is giving me a discount each month to get to the $2475 number. I also have a free month of rent at the end of the lease.



So does your lease say your monthly rent payments are 2475 or 3607? I'm assuming, based on the bolded portion, that's it's 2475. Go by what your lease says and that's what you'll pay for the duration of your lease.

The landlord isn't trying to 'mess' with you. If your lease says 2475 a month, that's what you pay. But, once your lease goes month to month (if you let it) it will go up and you won't get the discount anymore. If you renew, it may go up, but only a small percent according to the law and it will be based on the 2475.

The problem is that rent is controlled in DC and only allows a 5.6% increase for non-elderly and non-disabled tenants. So, legally, the landlord can't raise the rent to the $3067 as that would be a 24% increase.

I think by calling the rent a "discount" the landlord is trying to get around the rent control laws. In fact, if he can say the rent was actually $3067, then he could raise it another 5.6% at end of lease, which would be an additional $171.75 to bump the rent up to $3238.75.

I can't see any good reason for there to be a separate addendum saying the real rent is $3607. A separate addendum is hardly an accident.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

If the lease upsets you, OP, go find a different unit. You are making a huge fuss over something that is very easy to avoid.

[whatisthedealwith]

Originally Posted by oregonwoodsmoke

If the lease upsets you, OP, go find a different unit. You are making a huge fuss over something that is very easy to avoid.

Sorry, but I would make a fuss about this too. The landlord is trying to pull a fast one. As a former resident of NYC we saw this kind of crap all the time. It all hinges on what he/she says the rent is on the actual lease. The LL is trying really hard to get around the law and obviously thinks the OP has no idea what the rent control laws are.

OP, did they re-write the lease? If they were even willing it shows that they want you as a tenant. I would continue to make sure you watch them closely if you do want that unit. And I would be very clear that you can take your 2500 a month elsewhere. That's not a high rent in DC but its still a lot of money. I would be willing to bet if they have a rent controlled building they are LUCKY to get you at that monthly rate.

[confusedasusual]

Just an update-- they re-did the lease with the correct rental amount. I am still a little leery of these people. I have the weekend to think it over and check out some other places.