Can my Landlord increase my rent like this?

Question

I have been living in a rental duplex for 2 and half years with the rent at $1050 in Wichita, Kansas. My lease has been up for 6 months, but the landlord never contacted me about renewing until now. I have always been on time with the rent payments. I told them I would do another 6 month lease, and they sent me the new lease with the new amount of $1300. They never once told me the rent was going to increase by phone or in the mail, until I read this new lease. I have yet to signed it, because I am in shock at the almost 25% increase. Is this a fair practice? Also, how can the amount go up so much, if the economy and housing market is supposedly in the tank?

Update:

Thanks Nojam. I asked the property manager why they were increasing my rent so much without giving me the proper 60 day notice. They said it was a "mistake." Ya sure!! They brought the rent down to $1050. I guess they were more interested in getting me locked down for 6 months than giving me the 60 day notice right there. Thanks for the help!!

nojam75 · Accepted Answer

According to KSA 58-25,109(f): 

". . . Each tenant shall be notified, in writing, of any rent increase at least 60 days before the effective date. Such effective date shall not be sooner than the expiration date of the original rental agreement or any renewal or extension thereof. . . . "

Unless you live in an area with rent controls, there is usually not a limit to how much landlords can increase rent.  However, some states specify that a landlord cannot raise rent simply to force a tenant out.  

Twenty-five percent over two-and-a-half years does sound steep (that's 10% a year).  Some landlords gamble that they can raise rents on existing tenants because tenants will figure that moving will be too costly.  

The housing crisis isn't necessarily affecting rental rates.  If anything, foreclosed former home owners and foreclosed rental properties may even increase rental demand in some areas.  Rent is based on the current rental market.  If the landlord has overpriced the unit, then you need to convince that landlord that you will move if they can't offer you a more reasonable deal.

gafpromise · Answer

If the old lease had expired, they can up the rent as much as they like, and you have the right to move out if you do not want to pay it. Since they had let you go at a month-to-month tenancy for six months, you might ask them if you can just continue with the current arrangements.

LILL · Answer

After 2 1/2 years....25% is not unreasonable....especially with the price of just about everything going up.  

In absence of rent control...the landlord can increase has high has he/she likes.  You have a choice of either paying the increase or moving out.

angelika · Answer

Of course he can. He can charge whatever he wants. You can always try and negotiate, but expect a no. Also, you are an absolute moron for not having the other two on the rent. When they ditch out on you mid-lease, you are up the creek without a paddle and owe all the rent yourself.

Anonymous · Answer

Once your original lease expired, your rental reverted to month-to-month status.  The landlord is now telling you that they want a new lease.  It is legal.

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Can my Landlord increase my rent like this?

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