Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New York
DISCLAIMER:
I am reluctant to use this service because the attorneys that have chosen to answer my questions as of late only seem interested in attempting to sell me... and ironically I have not been satisfied by their performance. Please do not solicit me for business. If you have reasonable advice I can use, I would greatly appreciate that. Following that, if there is a way you can further assist me, and perhaps my fellow tenants as a whole, I may be interested in discussing the matter further. Thank you.
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From 2007, Realty Associates has been raising my rent 15% every year... and in addition, they have factored in charges that should not be included with the percentage of increase. I have kept paperwork documenting the progression of the rent increases, but something is not right with the situation. Other tenants have passively expressed their concern, and I am interested in taking some form of collective action if possible, however my situation may differ from theirs. What measure of action can I take on my own at this point, and how should I proceed if multiple tenants have similar issues?
1 Answer from Attorneys
You first have to look toward your lease. If the lease agreement has language concerning a 15% increase of rent each year, there is nothing you may do.
Furthermore, speculating that something is not right is not enough for the court. You must have concrete facts as to why the landlord is in violation of the lease.
Finally, an attorney may take collective action. However, each tenant must agree on the attorney.
Mike.