Can my landlord raise my rent 32% on July 1 because of a conversation about such increase in January before bill 608

Question

We discussed this increase before senate bill 608, but I was not given the new lease to sign until three days ago and it is suppose to take effect July 1.  I have not signed a new lease at this point.  My rent is very low so I feel bad pushing this, but it does not seem to follow the new guidelines of Senate Bill 608

Gregory L Abbott · Answer

It does not matter when or what you "discussed" - assuming he is not exempt, a landlord may not increase rent during the first 12 months of your tenancy and thereafter must provide you at least 90 days prior WRITTEN notice of the rent increase, lawfully served and containing the mandatory specific information.  Rent can only be increased a maximum of 7% plus the annual Consumer Price Index over any 12 month rolling period (making a current maximum rent increase of approximately 10.3%).  This all applies to any rent increase notice delivered on or after February 28, 2019.  IF the landlord gave you a written notice of the rent increase before February 28, 2019, then it still required at least 90 days prior written notice in a month to month tenancy but had no maximum amount it could be raised.  If you are on a fixed term lease, and the landlord delivered the required written notice prior to Feb. 28th, then things get a bit more complicated and you really need to review all the exact details with a local landlord-tenant attorney.  Do note that "written notice" means just that - written, on paper, lawfully served.  Text message, email, verbal conversations, etc. do NOT count.  Good luck.

Q: Can my landlord raise my rent 32% on July 1 because of a conversation about such increase in January before bill 608