Can You Fight a Rent Increase?
Many renters have been in the same position as you might find yourself in now. Landlords and property managers are in the business of making money, and the average cost of rent in the United States has increased significantly throughout the past few years.
Before you can learn how to fight a rent increase, understanding your rights as a tenant on a state level is imperative. Certain states have regulations in place to protect tenants from rent increases and unfair practices. If you open an email or text from your landlord and find out that your rent is increasing, your first step should be to research these laws in your state and understand their requirements. In some cases, you can fight a rent increase! If your landlord or property manager is violating the laws in place (when applicable), it is important to take action and file a formal complaint.
How to Fight a Rent Increase
Since rent prices are increasing across the country, encountering a rent increase is not out of the ordinary for a tenant. Armed with the right tools and information, you can learn 3 different ways to fight a rent increase.
Research Rent Control Laws or Stabilization Rules
As mentioned above, your first move should be to research local rent control laws or stabilization rules. It goes without saying that if you are in a rent-controlled apartment, your landlord has to abide by stricter rules when it comes to increasing your rent. Try poking around online to see if there are any rules about increasing rent in your area, and if so, check to see that your landlord or property manager is abiding by them. For example, in the state of California, landlords cannot increase your rent without providing you notice. In California, if your rent increase is less than 10% of your total cost of rent, then landlords must provide notice 30 days before the increase can take effect. This time frame is considered to be sufficient notice.
You can also contact your local housing authority or housing rights office for more information. If your landlord is not following the rules, you can file a complaint with them.
Talk Things out With Your Landlord
If your rent is increased, you should also make an effort to negotiate with your landlord or property manager. While they may not always be reasonable or be able to offer you any help, it is worth a shot to try your hand at negotiation! If you have been an admirable tenant, bring up that you have never missed a rent payment, always respected your landlord and neighbors, etc. They will be more likely to work with you if you have a good track record and are personable. Make sure to keep records of all of the communication you have with your landlord or management company to cover yourself in the event that this issue escalates.
Take Advantage of Pandemic Relief When Applicable
If your city or county is still offering pandemic relief programs or eviction freezes, try to take advantage of those as much as you can! You may be able to find other community resources as well. Lean on your community as much as you can! There may be other people in your area who are experiencing rent increases, and this may be to your advantage if you can collectively voice this issue to your property manager. If you cannot find relief from government assistance or community support, it may be a good idea to look into emergency loans from LoanMart or similar funding so that you don’t fall behind on rent payments while you find a long term solution.
Keep Your Expectations Realistic When Fighting a Rent Increase
When fighting a rent increase, your expectations should be kept realistic. The biggest tool in your toolbox when dealing with a rent increase is the laws surrounding rent protection. However, you may not have any laws that can protect your rent from going up, so that is something to keep in mind.
But if your landlord or property manager is not following the rules, you can file a complaint with the relevant government agency. If you want to escalate your situation, you can also consult an attorney to discuss your options. Finally, if there is no solution in sight and you cannot afford the new cost of rent, then you should also consider looking for a new rental property.
