Q: Can a month to month California storage facility increase my rent by 34% after only 3 months renting there?

A: Aw, gee wiz. Bummer?

No. It isn't. I'll explain why, and then I'll tell you what to do about it.

Basically, the rule is that whatever the contract says you can do them, they can also do to you. You chose to go with a month-to-month rental agreement. That means you can leave any time you want to, probably by giving them only the same 30-day notice they gave you about the rent hike.

You could have had a longer-term lease, which would have locked everybody into the same terms and prices for a set period. But for your own reasons, you did not want one of those.

If you don't like the rent raise, then go somewhere else. It sounds like you never planned to stay very long, anyway.

But if you want to stay longer, there is something else you can do. You can tell them that unless they give you a better deal, you will leave, and they will take a rent loss for the time the unit stands empty. If the place is full up, they won't care if you go. If they have a lot of empty space, they will want to find a way to keep you.

Hopefully, there is a reasonable compromise that can be reached, perhaps including a longer-term lease.

But don't bellyache when somebody gives you the same as you were contractually able to give to them.

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A: In California, the laws governing rent increases for storage facilities are different from those for residential properties. For month-to-month rental agreements, the facility typically has the right to increase the rent, provided they give proper notice, which is usually 30 days.

Since your contract doesn’t specify limits on rent increases, the storage facility may legally impose the 34% increase. However, this depends on the terms of your contract and applicable local laws. It's important to review your rental agreement thoroughly to understand any terms or conditions that may apply to rent increases.

If you feel the increase is excessive or unjustified, you might consider discussing it directly with the facility management. Sometimes, they may be willing to negotiate or offer a more gradual increase.

If you're still concerned or unsure about the legality of the increase, it would be advisable to consult with an attorney familiar with consumer law and contracts in California. They can provide specific guidance based on the details of your situation and help you understand your rights and options.

A: You've asked:

Can a month to month California storage facility increase my rent by 34% after only 3 months

renting there? Each month, in a month to month, is a new agreement. One SHOULD I suppose give NOTICE that they will raise the amount, likely 30 days (just a guess) but if they do so it is up to you to accept or to reject that raise or negotiate something in between. Good luck with it...