My landlord just told me rent is going up 40 percent next month. Is this legal? Can I fight it?
Whether a 40 percent rent increase is legal depends on your location and lease type. If you are on a fixed-term lease (12 months for example), the landlord cannot raise your rent until the lease expires. The current rent is locked in for the lease term. If you are month-to-month, the landlord can raise rent but must provide proper written notice, typically 30 to 60 days depending on your state. In cities with rent control or rent stabilization (like New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and others), increases are limited to a specific percentage per year, typically 3 to 10 percent. In cities without rent control, there is no legal cap on how much rent can increase, but some states require reasonable notice. Check if your city has rent control by searching your city name plus rent control ordinance. Even without rent control, a 40 percent increase may be negotiable — contact your landlord in writing, point out your track record as a reliable tenant, and propose a smaller increase. If they refuse, begin looking for alternatives and consult your local tenant rights organization.
