Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Tennessee

Q: Can new owners increase my rent before my lease is up? They want new contract and rent increase before my lease ends.

Move in date 3/8/23. Lease ends 7/31/24

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: In Tennessee, when a property is sold and changes ownership, the new owners must generally honor existing leases in their current terms. If your lease specifies a set amount of rent and a set duration, the new owners typically cannot increase the rent or demand a new contract before the lease expires.

Your lease provides you with contractual rights, and any attempt to unilaterally change its terms before its end date would likely be considered a breach. If the new owners are attempting to change the terms or increase the rent, you should review your lease agreement to ensure you understand its provisions.

It's also advisable to communicate your concerns to the new owners in writing. If the situation persists, consider seeking legal counsel to protect your rights. Always ensure that all communications and agreements are documented for your protection.

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