[alexa26]

I have been renting in PA for over 5 years now. The past 2 years I have gone month-to-month paying an extra $100 for this month-to-month option. Is this allowable in PA for a landlord to charge extra for going month-to-month after you have been there for at least a full year?

[ScottGem]

A Landlord can raise the rent whenever a new lease is signed. Once you go month to month, the landlord can raise the rent at anytime starting with the next rental period. There may be some restrictions on how often they can raise the rent, these restrictions are generally on the local level, not necessarily on the state level.

If you had a lease for 3 years, then decided to go month to month 2 years ago and the landlord added $100 at that point, you have absolutely no quibble.

[alexa26]

That wasn't my question. Is a surcharge of 100 extra over & beyond any rent increase legal after you have been renting at one place for over a full 12 motnhs?

[ScottGem]

Did the landlord say specifically this is a "surcharge"? Has he been raising the rent periodically during your tenancy?

If the landlord said something like, well if you don't want to sign a new lease but want to be month to month then I'm going to charge you $100 extra. I don't see anything illegal about that. Nor do I see anything wrong in the landlord protecting himself from a short term tenant. The landlord can charge almost anything they want. You then have the option to move.

P.S. when posting a follow-up question or info, please use the Answer options at the bottom of the page rather than the Comments.

[ma0641]

Without a contract(LEASE) you are pretty much at the mercy of the LL. Your option is to move and let him try to find someone to replace you. Can you find comparable lodging for the extra $100? $1200/year is about 1 month rent in a nicer apartment. There is nothing illegal about what he is requiring and unfortunately you have little option without a written lease agreement.

[alexa26]

I'm hardly a short-term tenant- I've been here over 5 years now
I am unemployed and may have to move for a job so that' the only reason I want month-to-month, but month-to-month is now going on almost 2 years.

[ScottGem]

Again, when posting a follow-up question or info, please use the Answer options at the bottom of the page rather than the Comments.

That's the point, by asking to be month to month you make yourself a short term tenant because you can leave with a month's notice. Doesn't matter how long you have been there, it matters how quickly you can leave.

[ma0641]

Alexa. You fulfilled your 12 month lease period. Terms like "surcharge above...legal", have little bearing. You do not have a lease period except 1 month. LL can charge whatever he wants. May not be the nicest thing to do but not illegal. At this point, it appears your options are to ask for a reduction, move to a less expensive apartment or continue to pay the $100.

[Fr_Chuck]

And once the lease ends, yes, they can raise the rent, in fact, they may raise it every month with a 30 day notice if they want.