Hi. My in-laws along with my grandfather in law purchased a home where my wife and kids live. We agreed to pay monthly amount and in turn they were going to put our name on the house in four years. Unfortunately, for us this was a verbal agreement. Recently, there has been a falling out with my wife and her parents. Last week they told us needed to get out they were going selling the house. Tonight they said we can stay but they are raising the rent by 18% and want a 2000 deposit. Do I have any rights? Do they have to give notice before they can raise the rent, especially that much? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Without anything in writing your rights are limited. Without a written lease, you are considered a month to month tenant. Generally, they would be required to give you 30 days notice of any change in the rental agreement. However, local laws may alter that (ANY question on law needs to include your general locale as laws vary by area.)

They may not be allowed to collect a deposit at this point, but while 18% is a lot, if you have not had a raise in 4 years, its not that much.