Q: Can a landlord enforce a rent increase without proper notice?
I live in section 8 housing and received a letter dated 2/20/2020 that states my rent has been increased from $204 to $509 effective 1/1/2020. My husband and I don't work any more than we did last year and aside from the alarming increase, is this even legal considering they're notifying us nearly two months after the supposed increase? I thought we were supposed to have a 30 days notice before any increase. Do I now owe back rent?
A:
Consult with whomever handles your Section 8 housing. Rent increases and notification for rent increases are strictly controlled under Section 8 housing, with notification being required to be sent to both the tenant and the housing authority and approval has to be obtained by the housing authority for an increase.
Furthermore, rent cannot be retroactively increased, even if it was not Section 8 housing.
Act immediately in sorting this out by contacting the housing authority now.
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