Can a landlord increase the rent on a new tenant?

The landlord may not increase the rent for the unit based on the replacement of a departing tenant or the addition of new occupants, even if agreed to by the tenant (see Topic No. 152 ).

Can a landlord be held responsible for a retroactive rent increase?

The short answer is no. In most cases, if a landlord has slapped a tenant with a retroactive rent increase, he was negligent in letting the tenant know about the increase at the appropriate time. The renter can’t be held responsible for a rent increase he or she genuinely didn’t know about.

Can a landlord accept rent from a new occupant?

Even if the landlord has given approval for the new occupant to move into the unit, the landlord is not required to accept rent directly from the new occupant or to add the new occupant to the lease agreement.

Is there a limit on how much you can raise your rent?

The maximum rent increase is 2% per year since the previous rent was set. So, if the rent is reviewed after the minimum 24-month period, the maximum rent increase is 4%. If more time has passed since the previous rent was set, the maximum rent increase is higher (2% per additional year up until 2016).

The landlord may not increase the rent for the unit based on the replacement of a departing tenant or the addition of new occupants, even if agreed to by the tenant (see Topic No. 152 ).

How long does a landlord have to give you notice before raising your rent?

In most states, renters must be granted at least 30 days’ notice before a rent increase is enforced, although that can vary based on how much the rent will actually go up.