Apartment Contract Renewal (Legality Question)

• rydawg5

  I just got a letter from my apartment complex stating my rent is going up to $60/month more if I renew.
  
  However, when I signed the contract, they said if I go "month to month" in writing, - That the rent would change to "market rate", however the month to month option will be $150/more per month..$120 more than they are charging new renters.
  
  The rate they are charging "new" tenants to rent as of today is only $30 more than I'm currently paying.
  
  Wouldn't this rate be "market rate" = the rate they are charging new tenants?
  
  * This ad for the rate of new tenants isn't a "special offer" or anything it's just the price that appears on craigslist.
  
  I didn't know you can pick and choose how much to charge each tenant for a same complex. Is this legal?
• Pick6

  

  That sucks. The company I rented my old house from was going to raise my rent $30/month for renewl. So I moved into my new house in a better location for $40 a month less than I was paying before. Market rate would PROBABLY be the average price of rent in whatever city you live in, not your current place of residence.
  
  I have heard of income-based rent in apartment complexes. The higher your income = the higher your rent. Which is very dumb, and IMO, unfair to me. Dont know if that is your case or not.
  
  I have no idea about the legal part of your question. Sorry.
• Commander of Awesome

  

  In California the most they can raise the rent is 2% I believe.
• rydawg5

  None of the apartments are income-based.
• Pick6

  

  Honestly, I would bring it up with your landlord and see what their explanation is and then go from there.
• gut

  Typically apartments charge an add-on fee for being month-to-month. If you read the fine print, it probably says something like "market rates plus $120"
  
  Also, are you sure your apartment is identical to the ones renting for $30 more? They might be doing something shady (probably not illegal), but from my perspective this isn't that different from move-in specials that often are cheaper than a renewal.
  
  They have most of the leverage and know it, because it's a pain and costs money to move. All you can do is ask about the price and try to negotiate. Depending on the complex (size, turnover, demand, etc) there may or may not be wiggle room. I know if I was a landlord I wouldn't quibble over $30-$60 a month to get 12 more months from a good tenant that pays on time.
• fan_from_texas

  gut;1393198 wrote: They have most of the leverage and know it, because it's a pain and costs money to move. All you can do is ask about the price and try to negotiate. Depending on the complex (size, turnover, demand, etc) there may or may not be wiggle room. I know if I was a landlord I wouldn't quibble over $30-$60 a month to get 12 more months from a good tenant that pays on time.

  
  This. If you're a good tenant, pay on time, never cause issues, ask to have your rent stay the same. Be respectful, but it doesn't hurt to ask. We've had success doing that in the past.
  
  It's a landlord's market right now and rental rates are up. You may not have much leverage.