Recent Answers to Rental Agreement Law Questions

I am currently renting an apartment and have a signed rental agreement with my landlord for a fixed term of one year, with a specified monthly rent. However, recently my landlord informed me that they intend to increase the rent starting next month. I was under the impression that the rent amount was fixed for the duration of the agreement, so I am seeking clarification on whether a landlord has the right to increase the rent during the term of a rental agreement.

Damien B.

Answered Dec 4, 2024

Hello! My name is Damien Bosco, Esq. My law office is in Long Island City, across from Manhattan. Generally, you are correct. For an annual lease with a fixed monthly rate, a landlord cannot increase the monthly rent during the pendency of the lease. Sometimes, the lease may allow for such an increase, but only if there is a provision in the lease that allows for it. If your lease does not include a rent adjustment clause and you believe the landlord is acting improperly, you are within your rights to challenge the increase. Feel free to reach out with any more questions about this.

I am a renter who recently signed a rental agreement for an apartment. I was provided with a copy of the agreement, but it included an addendum that I was not given an opportunity to review before signing. I am concerned that the addendum may contain terms that I was not aware of and would like to know what an addendum in a rental agreement is in order to understand my rights and obligations under the agreement.

Merry K.

Answered Nov 21, 2023

An addendum to a rental agreement is the same as any other terms and condition that is part of the rental agreement itself. An addendum is binding. If you are concerned about the terms in the addendum, especially since you were not given an opportunity to read the addendum in advance, you should contact the landlord in writing to express your concerns, and note that you were not given the opportunity to read the addendum in advance and do not consider the addendum part of your rental agreement. For assistance, please contact a landlord/tenant attorney.

I recently signed a rental agreement for an apartment that I am moving into next month. I was not asked to have any witnesses present when I signed the agreement, so I am wondering if a rental agreement needs witnesses in order for it to be legally binding. I would like to make sure that the agreement is valid before I move in.

Frank V.

Answered Oct 27, 2023

Witnesses are not generally required for rental agreements.

I recently signed a rental agreement with my landlord for a new apartment. I am concerned that the agreement may not be legally binding as there were no witnesses present when I signed it. I am looking for advice on whether or not witnesses are needed for a rental agreement to be legally valid.

Michelle M.

Answered Oct 24, 2023

Witnesses are not required for a residential lease agreement in Ohio. However, if the term of the lease is 3 years or longer, the signatures must be notarized. I hope this helps.

I recently signed a rental agreement for an apartment. The agreement was for a one year lease and it is now coming close to the expiration date. I am wondering what are my rights and obligations if the agreement expires. I am concerned that the landlord may try to keep me in the apartment longer than I am legally obligated to stay.

Diane D.

Answered Oct 17, 2023

When your lease expires, then it is over unless you sign a new lease or fail to give your landlord a 30-day notice. Send your notice and move out when before the lease expires, which could be the last day of the lease.

I am a landlord of a residential property and I am looking for advice on the best way to structure a rental agreement for multiple tenants. The property is currently occupied by two tenants who wish to stay in the property, but I am considering adding a third tenant. I need advice on how to ensure that all parties are fully informed of their rights and obligations and that any potential disputes can be quickly and fairly resolved.

Diane D.

Answered Oct 17, 2023

You need to put all your terms and conditions in your agreement. You can use the same agreement for all three tenants, or more if you desire. Don't leave anything to supposition or make ambiguous statements. If you need further help, you can contact me here.