[jpoeggel]

I have lived in this apartment building for 5 1/2 years, with the last 5 years on a month-to-month basis with no lease, rent of $520/month. I received a lease in the mail for $600/month starting July 1 with the request to let them know my intention by May 31. On that day I informed them in writing that I did not want to accept and would be leaving, and would give them the date as soon as I could, that I had an appointment with a real estate agent for Sat June 6. They then said I had to sign a 2-month lease. I replied that as soon as I had information about when I was moving I would call them, but I would not sign a 2-month lease until I knew when I was leaving. That same afternoon (June 2) they hand delivered a notice that I had to vacate the premises by June 30 at 1:00 p.m. and if I did not leave my rent would be increased to $1,000 per month. What are my options? I think it is an unreasonable time and rent increase. I am also worried now that they will withhold my security deposit for "rent due" (the absurd $1,000/month for an apartment in a building that has recently renovated apartments, but this apartment was never renovated and they have refused to update anything in it).

[JudyKayTee]

If you would move you would have to give notice according to the time frame for which you pay rent - 30 days.

If they want to evict you (unless it's for non-payment) they have to give you 30 days notice.

It would appear that they did not give you notice on June 1st. Therefore, the notice they DID give you covers the time frame from the next rent (July 1st) to the end of July.

If you are month to month they can raise the rent as long as it's not unconscionable. If it is unconscionable you have no choice but to pay it and take them to Small Claims Court. If you don't pay you will be evicted, your security will probably be forfeited and it will remain on your credit report.