RENT INCREASES IN PUBLIC AND SUBSIDIZED HOUSING
© 1991-2000 by Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
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I live in Public or Subsidized Housing. Can My Landlord/Manager Raise My Rent?

        This depends on your lease. Because you live in public or in subsidized housing, federal regulations must be followed before your landlord/manager can increase your rent.

What Is The Most Rent I Can Be Required to Pay?

        Generally you should not have to pay more than 30% of your adjusted gross income as rent. If you are on public assistance you cannot be required to pay more than your shelter allowance.

What Should I Do If I Receive a Rent Increase Notice?

1. Review your lease.

2. Figure out if you are (or will be) paying more than 30% of your income as rent, or if your rent is more than your shelter allowance.

3. Talk informally to your landlord/manager about the rent increase if the new rent is more than 30% of your income, or more than your public assistance shelter allowance.

How Much Rent Should I Pay, While I'm Discussing the Rent Increase With My Landlord/Manager?

        Offer your landlord/manager the amount of rent you were paying before you received the rent increase notice. If your landlord/manager doesn't accept your offer; returns your payment; or brings an eviction proceeding against you in court, you may wish to contact our office as soon as possible.

What If I Can't Work Things Out?

        If you are unable to resolve the matter with your landlord/manager, you may contact the Housing Unit of Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. at 847-0650. The Housing Unit accepts a limited number of calls each day, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

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