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I have a similar thread in the DC forum but wanted to post here as well to get broader advice.
I am moving back to DC after being gone awhile out of state. I found an apartment and put down a refundable deposit. I applied and was approved. The entire time the apartment was advertised as $2475 rent.
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.
I refused to sign until the lease was re-done to reflect the original rental amount with no talk of discounts and a higher actual rate. After some back and forth with the leasing agent, the landlord agreed.
But now I am very wary. First, I have no idea why they wouldn't just prorate the free month over the terms of the lease, second, where did this $3067 number come from and why would anyone do a lease like that?
Any input on this? I am fully prepared to walk away though I like the apartment and the neighborhood.
I think what he's doing is setting it up so that when the lease ends, and it goes month to month, then the new rent would be the higher amount.
He could have just put in the lease that when the lease ends the new rate will be $3067. Landlords sometimes put in a lease that if it goes to month to month the rent will be some exorbitant rate, so the tenant will quickly sign a new lease at a lower rate. But, here? Idn.
Or is there some law about how much he can raise the rent there? Maybe this is his way of skirting that law?
It's also possible this is his idea of trying to make you feel like you got a deal? Whichever way I look at it, it's pretty dumb.
It's not a bait and switch, as you are getting the rent that was advertised. The landlord is, well, kind of a dork business-wise in my opinion LOL!
Actually, a lot of rental agencies do that. The contracts are often just printed out as is, and not modified except for the addition of an addendum or amendment. It is just laziness. I agree that it is a bit misleading, but I don't see how they are going to take advantage of you. Do you have any e-mail correspondence or other written correspondence that you can attach if you do have any disputes in the future? I would keep that all together just in case, but I suspect that you will not have any issues. As long as each month is spelled out with the monthly rent that you both agree to, you will be good to go.
I think what he's doing is setting it up so that when the lease ends, and it goes month to month, then the new rent would be the higher amount.
He could have just put in the lease that when the lease ends the new rate will be $3067. Landlords sometimes put in a lease that if it goes to month to month the rent will be some exorbitant rate, so the tenant will quickly sign a new lease at a lower rate. But, here? Idn.
Or is there some law about how much he can raise the rent there? Maybe this is his way of skirting that law?
It's also possible this is his idea of trying to make you feel like you got a deal? Whichever way I look at it, it's pretty dumb.
It's not a bait and switch, as you are getting the rent that was advertised. The landlord is, well, kind of a dork business-wise in my opinion LOL!
Yes. DC has rent control and there is a "ceiling" defined as the max rent. I think that the "ceiling" for this unit is $3067.
Yes, that is what I thought. So what do you think? Should I walk away from this?
No, I don't think so. You have your new lease. Just go into it knowing the LL is a bit of a weasel, but if you like it otherwise, I'd still rent it. Just take pictures, etc., and document communications, etc., in case the guy tries to weasel you on the security deposit later.
Bingo! That would be a 24% increase in rent when the lease is up. Not likely normally allowed. Sneaky.
They don't want you to go month to month. I don't see what is so sneaky about that. It doesn't mean that your monthly rate for the next lease period would be that maximum amount. They typically send you a new lease proposal a few months before your lease is up, or right before the notice period that you have to follow if you choose to move.
Thanks so much to everyone on here! This has been really helpful and confirmed my suspicions.
If they won't redo the lease to reflect the correct amount of rent, its a no go for me. And its a shame because its a cute apartment. But there are lots of buildings in DC...
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