How much can they raise my rent?

[Man In Space]

My wife and I rent but we do not have a lease. The owner is selling the place and word has it that the new owner plans to raise the rent by almost 30% immediately.

The current rent is a bit below the local average but that's a big jump for us. Are there any limits or restrictions on rent increases? I'm in California if that matters.

Thanks to anyone who has any info.

 

[stevejobs]

unless you live in a rent controlled apartment, the landlord can raise it as high as he wants. You're only choice is to pay or leave.

 

[Man In Space]

Originally Posted by stevejobs

unless you live in a rent controlled apartment, the landlord can raise it as high as he wants. You're only choice is to pay or leave.

Thanks...Do they need to give a certain amount of notice, like 30 days for example?

 

[Orsini]

Originally Posted by Man In Space

Thanks...Do they need to give a certain amount of notice, like 30 days for example?
Yes, 30 days.

 

[IUtoSLU]

How often do you pay rent? Just like ^ said, probably 30 days notice.

 

[Orsini]

Originally Posted by Man In Space

...I'm in California if that matters...
Where are you in California? Some rents in the beach areas here have recently gone up over 50%... This makes it tougher to play the boulevardier...

 

[GQgeek]

my renewal just came today and my rent is being raised by.... $15 after 18 months.

Montreal kicks ass. I could even refuse the increase, but it's not woth the hassle for me, plus the landlord has continued to improve the apartment in significant ways, so i wouldn't on principle either.

 

[Man In Space]

Originally Posted by Orsini

Where are you in California? Some rents in the beach areas here have recently gone up over 50%...

This makes it tougher to play the boulevardier...

Monrovia.

 

[odoreater]

I would check whether your municipality/county/state, etc. have any controlls on how much rent can be raised in your area. In my jurisdiction it is very difficult to raise rents that much and very difficult to evict paying tenants. But, you should check the laws in your own jurisdiction and if necessary consult an attorney familiar with the laws of your jurisdiction and not rely on advice you get over the internet.

 

[chorse123]

You don't have a lease? I'm no law-stylist, but why shouldn't the new landlord be allowed to raise it as much as he or she wants with no existing agreement in place? Also, who doesn't have a lease?

 

[odoreater]

Originally Posted by chorse123

but why shouldn't the new landlord be allowed to raise it as much as he or she wants with no existing agreement in place

Rent control

 

[EL72]

I am surprised the landlord can raise it by that much. This may be the result of a change in ownership clause that allows new landlords to renegotiate lease agreements. That said, it still sounds steep and I doubt the rent can be raised so much on an annual basis even without a lease.

The laws are obviously different everywhere but after their leases expire, my tenants can choose to go on a month-to-month lease where they don't need to sign anything and can terminate with 60 days notice. The only way I can kick them out is if I need the place for myself or an immediate family member.

The annual rent increases are controlled and this year was only 1.9% iirc

That said, once a long-time tenant leaves, I am free raise the rent to market value. Something which is nearly impossible to do in Montreal which is probably the most tenant-oriented jusrisdiction that I know. Bad for business and real-estate investment but good deals for tenants like GQgeek, some of whom spend their lives renting because it's so cheap.

 

[HomerJ]

Originally Posted by Man In Space

Monrovia.

I don't think there's rent control there.

I dont' live in CA. I'm not a lawyer. But you can find this information online easily.

 

[Man In Space]

Originally Posted by chorse123

You don't have a lease? I'm no law-stylist, but why shouldn't the new landlord be allowed to raise it as much as he or she wants with no existing agreement in place? Also, who doesn't have a lease?

Well, I never said they shouldn't be allowed to - in fact I do not belive in rent control/regulation in principle. I was just wondering (for my own protection/self-interest) if there were any laws in place to prevent or limit increases.

I'm sure I'm not the only person in the world w/o a lease. The original owner (who passed a way a few months ago) built and owned the house for 50 years and he was an old-school handshake kind of guy who wouldn't do leases. We liked the place so much that we felt it was worth not having the security of a lease. Once he passed his family decided to sell and the new prospective owner has suggested the rent increase.

 

[grimslade]

Well, if you decide to stay, I'd get a lease from the new guy.