I’ve been dealing with this for years now since my apartment complex was bought by new owners(multiple times now). Every time I renew the lease they want to raise the price $100+ ($300+ during covid). I always try to negotiate by saying I’ve lived there many years with no problems, paid rent on time, etc. Unfortunately I’m only even allowed to speak to the local office manager who is either powerless or pretends to be and doesn’t even pretend to be sympathetic.
Meanwhile, they aren’t even keeping their end of the deal up. The pool and hot tub have been drained and in disrepair since January.(I’ll definitely mention this when negotiating this time).
Lastly, moving is not the answer. Practically every apartment complex around here is owned by one of these horrible companies so there’s no escape unless you happen to find something owned by an individual(which has its own problems). I’m also getting a small discount(gets smaller every renewal) for being in an outdated unit so moving would still raise my rate, be a massive hassle, and I’d have to pay a new deposit.
Long term I will buy a house, but how can I save enough when they gouge me at every turn?
Small claims court?
I don’t want to move though. I just want a fair deal.
It depends on your local government, you might be able to take it to a rentalsman or local equivalent. Figure out what your rights as a tenant are. If you have none, then the best you could hope for would be to form a tenants union. That takes time though.
Suing for what though?
Unless the landlord is breaking a law or a contract by raising the rent, there’s no damages or breach oc contract.
Meanwhile, suing your landlord is a great way to prevent your lease being renewed, if you want to keep living there.
Really only if there’s a contractual commitment to services that are not being provided.