[lisavas]

Can a property management company for my apt. charge us $50 more then the owner has asked for rent? Our rent was $850 when we moved in. we find out after 2 years most apts. In this complex are paying $700-$750. So we call management tell them this and ask if we can have our rent lowered.they got back to us, supposedly after talking to owner ,and said if you sign another 2yr. Lease $750 if month to month $800. We did'nt sign another lease and have been paying $800,$50 less for about a year. During some confusion about building being sold, we got a late notice,with late fee added on to our rent.the notice said we owe $780. We thought that odd since we have been paying $800. I talked to realitor who happenes to be very good friends with the owner of our building and she said the owner did'nt understand why the management company was charging us $50 more for rent. Can we sue them for overcharge?
Thank you lisa v.

[dontknownuthin]

It depends on what your lease says and what the agreement was between the property owner and management company.

You are obligated to pay the amount on the lease you signed. If the property manager is charging more than the landlord agreed to, that is a dispute between the two of them.

You should contact the owner about this late notice if you feel that it is unfair or unreasonable. Have the owner take care of it for you.

It was not the right move to just start paying less than your lease requires. You should have asked for a new lease for the remainder of the contracted term.

It is not unreasonable for a landlord to make a negotiated reduction in rent contingent on you signing a new contract for a longer term?

[ScottGem]

If the owner was unaware of the extra charge and the property management co was skimming, then you may have a criminal case of fraud. I think you would have a good civil case against them.