5 TIPS to Protect Your Rights as a Tenant
- Automatic payments for rent are a bad idea and can be a source of grief later. Once the money is taken out, it is nearly impossible to get back. Protect yourself. Rent withholding is a powerful tool, don’t surrender it.
- If a Tenant receives an invalid notice of increase, it is the same as not receiving a notice at all. You should continue to pay rent as usual, without an increase. Tenants should seek immediate legal counsel if a landlord attempts to collect rents not actually due. This could be considered “a threat or attempt of unlawful ouster.”
- A rent increase contained within a lease is not a valid notice of an increase.
- Check to see if your park is registered with the MMCRC. If not, contact the MMCRC, or ask your tenants association to inform the landlord of their duty to register.
- All interactions with your landlord should be in writing, sent by regular mail. Keep a journal of every interaction with your landlord and their agents, including maintenance workers, contractors, etc., noting what was said and the time and date.
- Any increase effective Sept. 1, 2025 or later is not valid if it is greater than 6%.
- Notice of an increase must be given at least 90 prior to the effective date.
- The landlord may increase your rent only once a year.
This is not intended to be individual legal advice. If you have a legal question please consult with your own attorney.
