Recent Answers to Lease Agreement Law Questions
Can a landlord increase the rent during the term of a lease agreement?
Real Estate
Lease Agreement
Maryland
I recently signed a one-year lease agreement for an apartment, and it explicitly states the monthly rent amount. However, my landlord has informed me that they will be increasing the rent halfway through the lease term. I want to know if this is legally permissible, as I understood that the rent amount was fixed for the duration of the lease agreement.
Sara S.
Hi, Without reviewing the entire lease it is difficult to give a thorough answer, but it is likely legally permissible. In Maryland, the rules for rent increases vary based on the type of lease. For leases longer than a month, landlords must give a notice of 90 days. If a lease is between a week and a month, a 60-day notice is needed. Oral leases of a week or less require just 21 days' notice. For leases with a written contract of one week or less, only a 7-day notice is required. These rules ensure tenants have enough time to plan for changes in their rent, and can move if necessary. Refer to the Renters' Rights Stabilization Act of 2024 with a licensed lawyer for more information.
Can a landlord terminate a lease agreement early without any valid reason?
Landlord Tenant
Lease Agreement
Washington
I recently signed a lease agreement for a residential property, and it has only been a few months since I moved in. However, my landlord has recently informed me that they want to terminate the lease agreement early, without providing any valid reason for doing so. I have been a responsible tenant and have not violated any terms of the lease, so I am confused as to whether the landlord has the legal right to terminate the agreement without cause.
Merry K.
No, the landlord cannot legally do so. A lease is a form of contract, and if one party tries to break a contract, it's normally considered a breach of contract. However, in addition, Washington has a very detailed (and sometimes difficult to follow) Residential Landlord Tenant Law that has been in effect, and amended numerous times, since 1973: https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=59.18 Also, many cities provide some additional protections to tenants - Seattle chief among them. I'd be happy to provide some assistance to you through Contracts Counsel, but no longer engage in litigation (however, litigation shouldn't be needed). Be aware that the landord can't do anything at all, for any reason, unless everything the landlord provides to you is in writing and properly served to you (eg, a notice to vacate or eviction can't be delivered merely by email or text). Best wishes, and good luck, Merry A. Kogut, Attorney at Law
Can a landlord terminate a lease agreement early without providing any notice?
Contracts
Lease Agreement
Maryland
I recently signed a lease agreement for a residential property, and it clearly states that the lease term is for one year. However, after just three months of living in the property, the landlord informed me that they want to terminate the lease early and asked me to vacate the premises within a week. There was no mention of any early termination clause in the lease agreement, and I am unsure if the landlord has the right to terminate the lease without providing any notice. I would like to know what my rights are in this situation and if I am entitled to any compensation for the inconvenience and unexpected expense of finding a new place to live.
Susan T.
Although the contract determines the parties rights, it can never break the law of the land. So if your city, state, and/or county, requires the landlord to provide notice to terminate, and most do, the law of the land will prevail. You can make him go to court and try to evict you. If he's breaking the law, he won't even try. If you don't mind leaving early, you could always offer to leave early if he pays you money.
Can the tenant use the property for storage?
Landlord Tenant
Lease Agreement
New York
As a business owner, I am looking to rent a commercial property to use for storage purposes. However, I am unsure if the property's lease agreement allows for such use or if there are any restrictions in place. Therefore, I am seeking legal advice on whether I can use the property for storage and if there are any legal implications I should be aware of.
Donya G.
In order to advise you on the lease, you would have to have the lease reviewed so that the purposes for the lease can be established and discussed with you. I can help to review your lease and advise you on you can and cannot do based on the lease. You can connect with me via the website to engage my services Donya Gordon
Can the landlord terminate the lease early?
Landlord Tenant
Lease Agreement
New York
I am currently renting a property and I am concerned about the possibility of the landlord terminating the lease early. I am wondering what circumstances would allow the landlord to terminate the lease before the end of the agreed-upon term, and what my rights and options would be if this were to happen. I would like to seek the advice of a lawyer to help me understand the legal implications and potential outcomes of this situation.
Donya G.
It will depend on what your lease states. You will need someone to review your lease and then advise you based on what the contract allows. It is not typical that a landlord to end the lease early unless there is a break on the tenants portion but this would all depend on the signed lease. If you need assistance with that, you can engage my services to assist you Donya
In a lease purchase agreement, is the purchase price agreed upon initially and if so, how do you calculate a purchase price for 3 years into the future?
Real Estate
Lease Agreement
Arizona
I am looking to start a RE development company that offers Lease Purchase agreements. Before entering into such a contract, I need to run the numbers to see if this is a profitable business. The purchase price is a key factor.
Jane C.
I suggest you consult with your accountant. Also look at the assignment provision in the lease to see if there are any restrictions.
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