Q: Is it legal for new apartment building owners to increase rent based on cosmetic repairs done to the building?
New owners bought the building that I live in. My lease is up in May but I was told we won't resign until they have made all repairs to building which mostly include cosmetic. Painting, putting in new lights(when old ones worked fine) remodeling the lobby. She told me that after they complete these repairs we will resign as they still have to see how much the remodeling will cost. Is this legal to increase rent because of remodeling for mostly cosmetic repairs
A: Unless local ordinance limits rent increases, or unless the lease has a renewal feature that specifies the renewal rent, then landlord can increase the rent at the expiration of the current lease, in whatever amount landlord chooses. If tenant does not agree to the new lease at the higher rent, tenant can vacate, or landlord can file an eviction.
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