
Quoting
Mr. Knowitall
Your landlord can require a new lease as a condition of your continued tenancy. If you don't like the new terms and are unable to negotiate mutually acceptable terms, either of you can terminate the tenancy upon proper notice.
What method do we use to communicate the changes that we want made? Since they are three hours away in another state there is little face to face contact. The LL wants the signed lease returned postal mail (at our expense). The LL managed to hand deliver one day while we were at work. Do we call and request the revisions? (prefer not to call because it is just infuriating to speak with these people. they don't seem to have a clue)
The security deposit amount wouldn't change merely because the new lease doesn't specify the sum.
Our worry is that when the time comes for us to end the lease that the omission of the deposit amount could be an issue.
Whatever the date(s), the lease isn't effective until you sign it. You can negotiate a different start date. A new lease can change various terms relating to rent and utilities, as long as it is consistent with any state laws or local ordinances restricting rent increases.
The LL has complained on numerous occasions about the cost to heat the building (the oil furnace provides heat in winter and hot water year round) and the amount of the water bill (I don't know that they've noticed that the water and sewer are combined). Nothing has changed our usage or the 2nd unit's usage since this LL acquired the property. We do not think that this new LL realizes the heating and water costs in this town for a 100 year old building with 8 occupants.