Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New York

Raising my rent before the lease expires

I moved into this building on october 15th 2005.

I signed a one year lease the rent, $950 for the apartment, $85 for the parking space.

A total of $1035.

On March 1st or there abouts, I recieved ''Order Granting MCI Rent Increase''.

I called the rental agent to whom I write my monthly payments, and was told they had nothing to do with this.

The next letter I recieved on or about the 2nd week in March saying that my rent as of 4/1 would be $1320.

I also recieved from the rental agents a letter marked ''revised'' with a retroactive amount of $923.01, due on 3/1.

I paid my April rent of $1035 and have since recieved 3 letters, 2 slipped under my door last week, and one in the mail, stating that if I didn't pay $285 they will ''be forced'' to start a legal action.

#1 I am 70 yrs old, and I get $590 from SS.

#2 If I had been told about this when I signed this lease for a year, I could not have moved into this apartment.

#3 I am 70 yrs old, and under the circumstances, I recieve $590 from SS.

I have to move out of here ASAP and do not know what I should do.

My question....Why would I sign a lease for a year at the rent of $1035, and then they???? have the right to raise it less than six months later???


Asked on 4/23/06, 11:15 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Debra Palazzo Law Offices of Debra Palazzo, LLC

Re: Raising my rent before the lease expires

Please re-read your lease and see whether there is some clause in there regarding MCI increases.

Do not move-out of your apartment, let them take you to court, the Judge will give you time to find a new place (if necessary) and you have nothing to lose. DO NOT RUN SCARED. You may contact me direct if you wish and I will re-view your lease at no charge.

Debra

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Answered on 4/23/06, 11:53 am
Andrew Nitzberg Andrew Nitzberg & Associates

Re: Raising my rent before the lease expires

Don't let them push you aro8nd on this.

If the right to an "MCI increase" is not in the lease, then they cannot raise your rent.

You are welcome to a consultation for no fee.

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Answered on 4/24/06, 1:27 pm


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