Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Massachusetts

Lease renewal at much higher than market rates

My landlord has set my lease renewal rate at $1700 even though units of the exact same type are renting to new residents at $1399. There are no new resident incentives currently being offered. When I call anonymously, I'm told there are units available at the lower rate. When I tell them I already live there and would like to transfer, I'm told there are no units available. Do I have any legal options here? Thanks.


Asked on 5/02/03, 12:18 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Trant Law Office of Robert R. Trant

Re: Lease renewal at much higher than market rates

Based on the facts presented, you have no legal options. Unless the unit is subsidized, the landlord is free to set the rent at any amount. As a practical matter, the landlord should be consistent in the rent to keep existing tenants as well as attract new tenants. Your only option is to move out and find another apartment or inform you landlord that you will move unless the rent is set at the lower amount. I find it hard to believe the landlord would want more unrented units.

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Answered on 5/02/03, 2:34 pm


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