Topic: Handicap Renter Who's On Social Security

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Where are you located, Cat?

I think ALL renters want a break at renewal time. People are budget-conscious to the nth degree and are not afraid to ask for a "favor", "special" treatment or just feel the need to negotiate. I assume you mean your renter is asking for no rent increase at renewal; however it also sounds like she has been with you long enough to make it to more than one renewal time so asking for a break seems almost like wishful thinking. Maybe if you could define exactly where you are and what the renter is asking would be helpful. I always tell people you can ask any question; you will get an answer - just may not be the one you wanted to hear.

Renter lives in suburb of Michigan. The leasing complex has gone through several managers since the individual has lived in the leasing complex. The renter indicated that she was told the rent would not go up over $25.00 a month per each renewal, when she signed her lease. :blink: She is not asking for no increase. Our annual increase is normally $85.00 - $100.00 per year.

Are you presenting the renewal increase in terms of value and benefits? I completely agree that everyone will ask for a break or at least try to talk you into a lower rate, but stick to your guns! And keep in mind that offering a lower rate for one and not for all may put you in the middle of an unpleasant fair housing situation.

I think I would have to ask the renter for her copy of the agreement regarding the max $25 increase, or check the file and see if you can find it. Something as important as this surely would have been documented. If no copy can be found, I hate to suggest it, but I think the renter may have misunderstood.

Otherwise, you might want to offer some information about where she can locate that type of housing. As a conventional housing provider, it may be illegal for you to treat her differently than any other renter.