Q: Can a new landlord who agreed to a rent increase amount and 3 days later change his mind and double the rent?
This happened on the day of the closing. He quoted me $1100 to $1200. I was paying $750 and a tenant from 2012. I am a senior 69 female. I told him my pension was cut until 2022 so he suggested $1050. Nothing in writing but had me copy the information to where to send rent. It was 2-3 days later he called to say he talked to some people who said he could get more money and that now it would be $1550 a month. The best he could do is $1450 because of his expenses. I paid $750 for November because of the 30-day notice rule. I cannot afford to stay. Can I stay 30-60 days to have time to search for housing? I will not be signing any lease. Thank you.
A: A landlord may change the terms of a lease at renewal time. However, the changes must be reasonable. Further, there is no self help in NJ. A landlord must file a complaint in court in order to evict a tenant. At the time of the court hearing, if the Court grants the Landlord the right to evict, you may request that the court grant a stay of the eviction.
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