Landlord Question and Answer Forum

Hello, does anyone know if I can increase the rent after a year passed by in a one year lease if it automatically renews, and I didn't state anything in the lease about rent increases??

Pauline, a 1 yr lease which states the rent will be X # of $$$ freezes the rent for 12 months. After that you may raise the rent every month (check State laws - amounts vary) unless you have tenant sign another long term lease.

Posted by Stan M, CA on Sunday, January 3, 2010

Please, let them know. You don't have to give them a long explination but they have to have enough time to give you the vacate notice if they don't want to stay (after the lease expires) and don't agree to the increase. I've recently went up due to taxes, not one of my tenents moved out, I provided them with a 45 day notice of the increase. BUT, as Stan said, you can not do this in the middle of a lease.

Posted by Donna S, TX on Monday, January 4, 2010

Pauline, my suggestion to you would be to go ahead and send out a Increase in Rent Notice. Of course you will need to check with the laws in your state to find out how much notice to give your tenant. Also have you thought about letting them go on a month to month lease or a 7 month lease if your not interested in a yr.

Posted by Carmelita H, FL on Monday, January 4, 2010