Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Massachusetts
landlord/tentant
I need to know what is the most percentage that I can legally increase the rent for a tentant. I have not increased the rent for the past 5 years. I am currently charging 620.00 a month for a 2 bedroom and would like to increase this to 730.00 would this be legal ?
4 Answers from Attorneys
Re: landlord/tentant
Unless it is rent controlled, the sky is the limit.
Re: landlord/tentant
Unless it is state or federally funded.
Re: landlord/tentant
It sounds like you are due for a rent increase. Whether it is legal depends upon whether you are currently operating under a written lease agreement.
If you are operating without a written lease agreement, also called a month-to-month tenancy-at-will, you will simply want to provide the tenant with sufficient notice of the increase. I would give them at least 30 days and never less than one full rental period.
If you have good tenants, you will want to consider whether a substantial increase will drive them out.
Re: landlord/tentant
You certainly have the right to raise the rent. One question is what is the market rent for the apartment in your area for a similar apartment. As long as the rent is not more than the market rate for a similar unit in the area, and frankly, $730 month sounds very reasonable to me to a 2 BDRM apt., you can raise the rent. You should give the Tenants at least 30 days notice (one full rental period) if they are on a month to month lease or without a formal lease. Notice should be given even if there is an existing lease with respect to the renewal of the lease.