Q: My lease is up mid August and I am behind in rent. The landlord is trying to force me to pay double the rent amt. Legal?
Double rent and go month to month. She knows I cannot afford this. If I don't agree she still must honor my lease agreement and would have to evict right? I was trying to get to the point where I could buy the house, and did a TON of work with zero compensation when I moved in. What can I do? I want to pay and keep the house. I just cannot afford $800 a month.
A:
It sounds like your landlord is attempting to avoid eviction with you by renegotiating your lease agreement, which is perfectly legal. You are under no obligation to agree to her new terms. If you do not agree to her new terms she must still honor your lease agreement have to evict you.
However, having an eviction on your record can be a black mark that makes other landlords uncomfortable to rent to you. If you want to stay in the house, negotiate with your landlord.
As for the improvements to the house, it is generally not a good idea to improve a rental property as you will not be the one to reap the reward unless you have a written agreement otherwise in place that you will eventually own the property.
Consult with a local landlord/tenant attorney in your area for legal advice.
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