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Can my landlord increase rent without giving me any notice?

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David_85
Joined:
24.08.2023
Posts: 1620
Topic Starter
28.01.2025 10:29
I just received an email from my landlord stating that my monthly rent is going up by $200 starting next month. I've lived here for two years and my current lease is technically month-to-month now, but I thought they had to give me at least 30 or 60 days of written notice before changing the terms. They are insisting that because I'm not on a fixed-term lease, they can change the price whenever they want. Does anyone know if this is actually legal or where I can look up the specific tenant laws for my area?
19 replies in this topic
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Yani_Z
Joined:
05.04.2022
Posts: 2049
10.02.2025 01:32
That definitely sounds illegal. Even on a month-to-month lease, landlords are almost always required to provide 30 or 60 days notice depending on your state laws.
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radek_c
Joined:
12.02.2022
Posts: 2477
01.04.2025 15:06
In reply to a previous post
I agree with the first reply. My landlord tried this once and I cited the state housing code; they backed down immediately once they realized I knew my rights.
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Hub_K
Joined:
16.10.2019
Posts: 1534
02.04.2025 04:11
Check your local state laws immediately. Most places have strict statutes about rent increase notifications.
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Vic_S
Joined:
22.01.2022
Posts: 465
03.04.2025 07:49
In reply to a previous post
Where do you live? Laws vary wildly between states and even cities.
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Oli_S
Joined:
22.08.2023
Posts: 1323
06.04.2025 00:19
In reply to a previous post
They are absolutely bluffing. A month-to-month lease doesn't mean they can change the price overnight.
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GoldenHands
Joined:
14.12.2022
Posts: 1077
02.05.2025 08:57
I'm in California and here they usually need 60 days if the increase is over 10%.
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Olivia_T
Joined:
21.02.2022
Posts: 440
05.05.2025 00:08
In reply to a previous post
Don't pay the extra amount yet. If you pay it, you're essentially agreeing to the new terms.
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Olivia_T
Joined:
18.11.2023
Posts: 1034
12.07.2025 14:14
Have you tried looking at your original lease agreement? Sometimes there are clauses in there that override general state laws, though illegal clauses are unenforceable.
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camilo
Joined:
13.12.2024
Posts: 1008
26.07.2025 23:58
In reply to a previous post
Document everything. Keep that email saved and maybe print it out just in case you need it for a housing board dispute.
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greg_b
Joined:
13.05.2020
Posts: 819
07.08.2025 23:48
In reply to a previous post
My landlord did this last year. I just politely emailed him back with a link to the state tenant handbook and he apologized and gave me the proper notice period.
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Bob_J
Joined:
06.05.2021
Posts: 1196
16.11.2025 00:20
Is there a local tenant union in your city? They are usually super helpful with these kinds of disputes.
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Yani_Z
Joined:
26.05.2023
Posts: 438
18.11.2025 05:09
In reply to a previous post
Honestly, landlords try to get away with this all the time because they count on tenants not knowing the law.
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Sam_W
Joined:
12.12.2020
Posts: 2409
08.12.2025 06:54
In reply to a previous post
Don't panic, just do your research. The law is almost certainly on your side here.
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Expert_11
Joined:
20.04.2025
Posts: 826
12.01.2026 13:59
What does your lease say about rent increases? Even if it's month-to-month, the original document might specify notice requirements.
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Tony_M
Joined:
12.07.2022
Posts: 481
23.01.2026 22:25
In reply to a previous post
I'd suggest sending a formal letter via certified mail if they keep insisting it's legal. That usually gets their attention.
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Roman_88
Joined:
20.08.2023
Posts: 2384
29.01.2026 22:45
Does anyone know if the laws are different for private landlords vs big property management companies?
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Nico_N
Joined:
05.05.2025
Posts: 1034
07.03.2026 19:26
In reply to a previous post
Usually, the laws apply to both. The law doesn't care who the landlord is, only that you are a tenant.
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BlackCat
Joined:
22.11.2025
Posts: 1877
24.03.2026 14:50
This is why I always keep a copy of the state landlord-tenant handbook on my laptop.
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jacek_pl
Joined:
13.12.2022
Posts: 2269
07.04.2026 12:37
In reply to a previous post
Good luck OP, keep us updated on what happens!

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