Is there a limit on how much the apartment rent can go up by?
The amount of rent increases are only limited by rent control laws (not applicable to you) or lease terms. If you are renting month-to-month, instead of on a one-year (or longer) lease, the landlord must notify you of a rent increase in writing at least 30 days prior to the date the next rent payment is due. Therefore, if your rent is due on the 1st of each month, the earliest date a rent increase can apply is now May 1st. If you want to stay where you are, tell your landlord you will agree to the rent increase starting May 1st if she signs a one-year (or ask for a two-year) lease at that rate. Make sure the lease agreement states that the rent is $875/mo from May 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010 (or 2011). The advantage to the landlord is s/he knows the place is rented out for a full year (or 2), so be persuasive and convincing that the lease is necessary for you to remain there. Additional ammunition: check rental rates in your area for comparable properties. In some places they are co
