Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Massachusetts
rent increases
Can a Landlord increase the rent whenever he wants too? In Dec. he warned me that he would go up 100.00 which was fine. (starting in Feb) today, he came to get the rent and started complaining about the water bill going up, and that my kids should move out! My daughter just graduated college last week! I need to call him if we have company to ask permission to park in our parking lot! He left by screaming and by the way ''next month your rent will be 1000.00'' for not cooperating. I do not know what that means. I have been here about 26 years and have always paid on time, never ask for anything. I have no lease. Does he have the right to yell and scream at us for stupid things?? He tries to involve himself with my private issues. If my daughter wants to live with me till she's 50 who cares!!! She was born and raised here!! I am disabled and she does help me out some.
Thank you
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: rent increases
A landlord cannot raise rent by a mere statement. Where there is no written lease, the landlord can raise the rent by terminating the existing tenancy and offering a new tenancy at a higher rent. This is done by a notice to quit. Otherwise, a rent increase can only be done if the landlord and tenant agree. If the landlord tells you he is raising the rent and you pay the higher rent then you have agreed.
Re: rent increases
A Landlord can raise the rent but must give you notice in writing at least 30 days in advance.
just because he wants to taise it does not mean you have to accept it. He can then seek to evict you. However, your rent has to be at market rate, so if your apartment should rent for less than a $1,000, he can't expect to get it.
I am sure your daughter did not cause the water bill to go up so much. I would suggest you get a written lease from him if possible. If you are disabled it will probably take him at least a year to evict you and the only issue will be the rent amount.
If you have more questions, please feel free to contact me.
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