Rent Going Up? There are Rules
If your landlord wants to change the terms of your lease, they must send you a written notice. But they can’t do this just anytime they want – there are specific timelines that depend on how long your lease is for. If they don’t follow these rules, your lease is automatically renewed without any changes.
You Have 3 Options:
- Agree to the increase: If you don’t respond within 30 days, it’s the same as saying yes.
- Move out:
- Refuse the increase: Be careful, if your building is less than 5 years old, you can’t refuse (it’s the law!).
What Happens if You Refuse the Increase?
Your landlord has a few choices:
- Negotiate: They might suggest working something out.
- Ignore you: If they don’t respond, your rent stays the same.
- Go to a special tribunal: They can ask the Tribunal Administratif du Logement (TAL) to decide. If you can’t agree, the TAL will decide how much you should pay. The landlord will need to prove why the increase is fair.
Is the Increase Too High?
It’s hard to say without knowing all the details. But there’s an online tool that can help you figure out if the increase is reasonable. You can find it on the TAL website.
Tips:
- Keep everything: Save the increase notice, your replies, and any other related documents.
- Get informed: Learn about your rights and how the TAL works.
- Read carefully: Don’t sign anything without understanding it fully.
For more information
Check out the TAL website. You’ll find detailed information about your rights and the steps you can take.
