Rent Increase Request: Fill & Download for Free

Is it normal for a landlord to request a $100/month rent increase year after year or refuse to renew the lease (approximately 5%)?Yes.It’s normal enough. Business-smart landlords will put rent increases in place whenever the market justifies it. That very often means an annual increase reflecting the direction of the market. Sometimes it might be 5%. Sometimes less. It could be more, too.One mistake many landlords make is not increasing the rent even when a rent increase is justified. Then, after, say 4–5 years, they’re substantially undercharging. And that also means that they’re going to attract potential tenants who aren’t as desirable financially as other competing properties are attracting. That’s a problem with single-family homes, but can be a disaster in apartment buildings.

The amount of rent you are asked to pay has absolutely nothing to do with the ownership of the house or with the mortgage payment amount. Your in laws house could be worth $250,000 and have almost $250,000 outstanding on the mortgages, or the might owe only $10,000. However, there is a current market value for the space you are utilizing and as adults you should be willing to either pay this amount or move. Homes are expensive to maintain. Your in laws bear the burden of all maintenance and upkeep. They will purchase a roof if the present one wears out, as well as a new furnace, A/C unit, water heater and flooring and appliances. While you live there you are depreciating, through wear and tear, the lifespan of every system within the home. You are additionally interfering with their privacy.Perhaps the requested rent increase is a method for them to indirectly say: “it's time for you to move out”.Living with others is stressful. Perhaps you enjoy spending time undisturbed doing nothing; and a co-inhabitant wants to talk. Perhaps you live with someone who routinely moves your belongings, or who leaves dirty dishes or laundry lying around. Perhaps you come home ready to make yourself a salad and find someone has eaten your lettuce and not replaced it. Yes, you can end up not feeling relaxed and comfortable in your own home. This is normal, and it explains why it's more common for individuals or couples to live harmoniously together than for larger groups of people to reside under one roof.Your in laws didn't move into your home. You moved into theirs. If you want to own a home, you will need to save to be in a position to purchase one. Until then, be appreciative of the fact that your in laws have allowed you to live in their home. Pay what they ask or move out.

It’s not often that I hear of a request for large rent increases instead of nickel and dime bumps.As a landlord, that is incredibly refreshing! Bravo.I know if I were your landlord, I’d welcome your request with open arms. Of course I can do you a solid and raise your rent by 30–50% and keep it there for 2 or even 3 years!In fact, since you’re basically going to be family—heck, you’ll be closer than family with this request—I’ll even grant you a 100% rent increase and hold it steady for 5 whole years.So, there you go. Nickel and dime rent increases instantly gone.I would most profusely thank you for your fulsome generosity in helping me cover my ever increasing ownership overhead costs like property taxes, insurance, management, and general maintenance, plus on-going repairs and updates that never seem to end.All you need to do is ask!