Rent increase disputes are very stressing for tenants, especially when they claim that this increased rent is unfair or contrary to what the tenant agreed on in their lease agreement. But tenants are far from powerless. There are several legal procedures that they can follow to bring an end to such disputes and assert their rights.
The procedures that will be included in this article include going from understanding local laws up to seeking advice.
1. Be Knowledgeable of Your Rights
A great place to begin with a rent increase disagreement is knowing what rights you have as a tenant in court. Because the country’s rent laws are usually determined and vary by jurisdiction, it is prudent to know what applies in your city, state, or country. Most of the jurisdictions fall under rent control or rent stabilization laws that outline the parameters under which landlords are permitted to increase rent.
2. Read the Lease Agreement
Rent increase can be governed by a lease agreement between the landlord and tenant. Checking your lease you would want to know if the rent increase is permissible under it. Look for clauses about rent increases, renewal periods, and notice requirements. If there are no clauses supporting a rent increase prior to the end of your lease term, you may be able to protest the increase.
3. Seek out Rent Control or Rent Stabilization Laws
If you live in a city that has rent control or rent stabilization, the ability of the landlord to raise rent could be very stringently limited. Rent control may really specify the actual percentage of annual rent increases possible. Legal help for rent increase disputes rent stabilization similarly caps rent hikes but is more prevalent in newer buildings. There’s always the possibility of lodging complaints with local authorities for further investigation, and the landlord will have to comply with such regulations.
4. Bargain with Landlord
Rent increases sometimes can be bargained down. If the increase looks unreasonable, talk to your landlord about it. There is preparation involved, such as gathering evidence about comparable rents in your area or documentation of problems with the property. Sometimes an amicable, professional discussion with a landlord can resolve the matter without the need to go to court.
Conclusion
A tenant may face a hard way to navigate when it comes to disputing a rent increase, but there are provisions through which the tenant’s rights are protected in situations of such disputes.
