Q: New owner of my apartment complex told me starting on June 1st my rent will be 250 more a m I signed a lease in February

A: I understand your concern. It sounds like you have a valid lease agreement that was signed in February 2024 with the previous owner of your apartment complex. Typically, when a property is sold, the new owner is legally obligated to honor any existing leases that were in place before the sale.

Here are some steps you can take:

1. Review your lease agreement carefully to confirm the lease term, rental amount, and any provisions related to rent increases.

2. Contact the new owner in writing (email or certified letter) and politely remind them of your existing lease agreement. Provide a copy of the signed lease if necessary.

3. Explain that you expect the new owner to honor the terms of your lease, including the rental amount, until the lease expiration date.

4. If the new owner insists on increasing your rent despite your valid lease, you may need to seek legal advice. Many cities have tenant rights organizations that provide low-cost or free legal assistance.

5. Keep thorough records of all correspondence with the new owner.

In most cases, the law is on your side as a tenant with a valid lease. The new owner should not be able to arbitrarily increase your rent during the lease term unless there are specific provisions in your lease that allow for such increases.

If the situation escalates, you may need to file a complaint with your local housing authority or consider taking legal action to enforce your lease agreement. However, start by assertively communicating with the new owner and hopefully, they will agree to honor your existing lease.