Rent Increase

[knowthyself.livejournal.com]

On a standard lease, does anyone know how much notice the tenants are supposed to be given if they are renewing their lease if the landlord wants to increase the rent?

Short version: our lease is up at the end of this month. Last night was the first we'd heard of a possible increase in our rent after making it clear at least two weeks ago that we wanted to renew for another year. Our last month deposit has not been used. Can the landlord do this? Or are they required to have given us more notice than this?

Thanks very much for any help or advice in advance!

(an apartment in Somerville/Davis Square area)

EDIT: Thanks for everyone's help, we've come to an agreement with the landlord on the issue.

Comments

[larksdream]

I googled it, which you could have done for yourself ("Massachusetts landlord law terminate"):

If your landlord wants to raise your
rent, s/he must send you proper legal notice terminating your current
tenancy. This notice may contain an offer to remain in the apartment for
the increased rent. You must receive this notice at least one full rental
period, but not less than 30 days, before it becomes effective. The
rental increase may be any amount the landlord wishes to charge, and s/he
may increase the rent as often as s/he wishes, provided that proper
notice is given each time the rent is increased.

[knowthyself.livejournal.com]

I did google a number of terms, that happened to not be one of them.

Thanks, though, that's very helpful.

[larksdream]

Fair enough. I withdraw my snark. :)