Q: My contract is for a year, I'm in month 7 and he wants to raise the rent. Can he legally do that?
A:
The answer your question may be available within the very contract that you signed.
Under normal circumstances, the monthly rent is fixed during the lease term (of one year). Under normal circumstances, any change to the contract during its term may only be valid with prior written consent of all parties involved. If the contract is silent regarding rent increases within the contract term, then the answer is "no" and you may have a claim against your landlord for violating the contract terms. On the other hand, if said increases are allowed or arise as a result of some form of non-compliance on your part, regarding one or more terms of the contract, then the raise may be valid.
I recommend that you reread your lease contract, and identify any clauses regarding automatic renewals, changes in terms and conditions, and even contract cancellation and/or rescission; as well as forum of law to which you can recourse for your claim.
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