New Landlord raising rent on a month-to-month lease
Hello all,
I have lived in my apartment for 4 years in Philadelphia, Pa.. After the first year was up, my lease went to month-to-month. Rent was nominally raised over the past 3 years. However, my landlord notified me that he put the apartment (it's a triplex) on the market, and was subsequently raising my rent by $80.00 (and gave me roughly 2 weeks notice) to, which I complied. During the sale process, the landlord asked me to sign the letter of rent increase for me to acknowledge and comply with this increase. The real estate agent never picked up the letter, which I still have in my posession.
Since this time the landlord has sold the apartment and settlement has been made.
I spoke today with the new landlord, who verbally told me he has the intention of moving into my apartment within the next 6 months, but that he want's to give me 2-3 months notice. (He also asked me what I was paying in rent, and told me he was raising the rent of the tenant above me, and making her re-sign her lease)
After asking what I was now paying in rent, he, and this is a DIRECT QUOTE said, "Well, you may have to help me out a little because I spent a lot of money on the property and I have a mortgage to pay." At this point, I didn't say ANYTHING, and agreeded to meet him in person next week, to at least obtain his address where I can send my next rent payment to.
My question is this:
After a rent increase from $570.00 to $650.00 a month, effective July 1, 2005, can my "new landlord" again raise my rent? And if so, is there a cap on by how much in the state of Pennsylvania? - Considering that would be two increases in 60 days?
(obviously I will get any increase in writing)
In the reader's opinion, are there any tips I can receive to make this process civil? I am immediately looking for a new place to live.
Any opinions/advice is greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
Rent Increase in Philadelphia PA
There is no "rent control" law in Philadelphia which would limit the amount by which a landlord can raise your rent - with a month-to-month tenancy your landlord can raise your rent on a month's notice.
If there are code violations with your rental unit, Philadelphia's Fair Housing Ordinance prohibits eviction or rent increases while a property has code violations.