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Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. |
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Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. |
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MY LANDLORD WANTS TO CHANGE OUR
AGREEMENT
(Private and Public/Subsidized)
© 1991-2003 by Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
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Can my landlord make some changes in the terms of my tenancy?
If you have a written lease, you should first read it to see if and how your landlord can change your agreement. Generally, a written lease cannot be changed unless both parties agree to the change. If you don't have a lease and your landlord wants to change the terms of your tenancy, such as increase the rent, or have you start paying the utility bills, he/she must give you proper notice of the new changes.
What is proper notice?
Tenants without a written lease have a month to month tenancy and the landlord must give one full month's notice (often called a 30 day notice) of any changes he/she wants to make regarding the tenancy. For example, if your landlord no longer wants to pay the gas bills, s/he must tell you before March 31st if she wants you to pay the gas bills as of May 1st.
What if I don't agree to the new changes?
If you don't agree to the changes, your landlord can give you a new full month's notice telling you to move out of your apartment.
Can my landlord tell me I can't use the sidewalk anymore or that I can’t let my children play in front of the house?
When you rent an apartment you are entitled to the quiet use and enjoyment of that apartment including those things that usually come along with renting an apartment. So, you could still use the sidewalk and let your children play in front of the house even after your landlord tells you that you cannot, but your landlord may also give you a 30 day notice telling you to move as explained above if you don't agree to the changes s/he has requested. You may want to speak with a lawyer or call Neighborhood Legal Services at 847-0650 to see if the changes your landlord has proposed are legal.
Can my lease be changed if I live in public or subsidized housing or if I receive Section 8 assistance?
If you live in public or subsidized housing, or if you receive Section 8 assistance, the federal law must be followed before your lease can be changed.
What should I do if I receive a notice about a change in my public or subsidized housing lease?
1. Review your lease.
2. Talk informally to your landlord or manager about the changes.
3. Pay your rent while you attempt to resolve the matter.
4. Request a formal or informal hearing with your landlord or manager to attempt to resolve the matter.
What should I do if my landlord/manager still wants to change my public or subsidized housing lease after I have taken these steps?
You may be able to request a hearing in an attempt to resolve the matter. For information on how to request a hearing, contact Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
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