My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: Montana
My boyfriend moved into his house in Feb. of this year. He had a verbal agreement with the landlord, to pay $450/month rent.
In Sept, the landlord thought that I had moved in (I hadn't), so he said he was raising the rent to $600/month. My bf talked to the landlord and explained that if that was the case, I WOULD be moving in, to help him pay the rent. The landlord said that was fine, and I moved in.
About mid-Sept, the landlord brought over a written lease, for my bf to sign. He signed it without reading it (big mistake, we know). It was a year lease, saying that my bf was the only allowed occupant, and that the rent was $600.00. After speaking to the landlord about it, he said don't worry... he knew I was living here. But the lease was never changed.
Today, the landlord has come over again, saying that the rent will be increased AGAIN, as of Nov 1st. To $850/month! Why? Because I live here.
My questions:
I know Montana doesn't have any rent control laws. But regarding the verbal lease, and the landlord acknowledging that I live here, and THEN raising the rent again BECAUSE I live here. Is that legal? And to go from $450 to $850 in a 10 month period is just ridiculous. Also, can he still raise the rent, with a written lease, whether I live here or not?
We have been the best renters, always paying rent and never causing any problems. I just don't get it. Now, because of this increase which we can NOT afford, we'll have to move.
Is there anything we can do? Can we refuse to pay the increase, because of the lease?

