Your landlord has the authority to raise rent in certain situations. Your landlord has every right to raise rent if rent control regulations do not safeguard your apartment. Additionally, if your lease agreement includes language allowing for such an increase, landlords have the right to increase rent at any time during the lease term. In any case, whether a month-to-month or annual lease comes up for renewal, the landlord has the right to raise the rent.
What should you do if your landlord notifies you of a rent increase? Use this checklist as a starting point for figuring out if your present rental property is worth keeping or if you should look into finding a new one.
How to Manage an Escalating Rental Payment
Request a Break for Understanding
Rent increases might be stressful if they happen when you are least expecting them. You should sit down with your landlord and explain your current financial condition. Communicate with them, ideally in writing, about the impact of the increase on you, and politely request some time to adjust. Assure them that you will use the allotted time to draw a well-informed conclusion that will probably not worsen the problem.
The increase could reach 25% in certain states, so you’ll need some time to figure out how you’ll pay for it. During this time, you can look for a side gig, get a second job, or apply for a promotion in your current one. Once you’ve exhausted all these options, consider exploring budgeting strategies to reduce expenses.
Is a negotiation possible?
You might be eligible for a rent reduction if you keep your apartment in good condition, pay your rent on time, and get along well with your landlord. Possessing strong communication skills or a history of being an exemplary renter might make this work better for you. Try to be as transparent as possible about your financial condition in the hopes that your landlord will be prepared to negotiate a lesser price, particularly when it comes to maintenance fees.
Propose a fixed-term lease extension
It is time to sign a new lease when you have either reached an agreement with the increase or started negotiations. At this point, you should try to negotiate a longer lease and a lower rent increase. In exchange for a longer period of stable rent, your landlord may be willing to accept a lower monthly payment. Negotiate a longer lease, perhaps two years or more, if you’re in love with the space and want to stay for a while longer. You may be able to secure a better rate if you can guarantee on-time payments and your presence for the full duration.
Roommate Search
If you can get your landlord to agree, splitting the rent with a roommate is one of the oldest strategies for keeping costs down. You should follow this path to succeed in interviews. Investigate their history and meet in person to discuss personal hygiene habits, conflict resolution strategies, and anything else on your mind. This isn’t the perfect setting for someone who prefers to live alone, but it could end up being financially beneficial.
Step Out
You are free to find another place to live if the rent hike puts you in a financial bind. In addition to missing familiar surroundings, you may have to give up other comforts like being near relatives, friends, and work. Make sure your landlord knows if you’re planning to vacate the premises. Thus, they can decide whether to let you stay until you find a new place or to organize their affairs so they can take on a new tenant.
