The trick to raising rents is to get past the notion that you’re no better than the moneychangers Jesus threw out of the temple. Your rental unit is an asset you paid honest money to acquire and there is nothing wrong with charging an honest rate to the tenants dwelling within. And unfortunately (for them) the honest rate goes up thanks to inflation and high demand. Keep in mind, however, there is a right way to do it and a wrong way.
LANDLORD TO TENANT: “I see you just blew up another dishwasher. That means your rent goes up seven hundred and fifty dollars next month. Have a nice day.”
Landlord departs while tenant stands in open-mouthed shock.
TENANT (speaking to the empty room): “Uhhh…what?”
In case you think this scenario sounds perfectly legitimate, it’s not. Even if you have clear wording built into the lease agreement, raising rents is not a matter of unilaterally deciding to do so. For example:
• If there is a lease agreement, rent cannot be raised during the term of the lease, unless provided for by the wording of the lease. Even then, take care. Some states allow a tenant a 21 day window to get out of the agreement.
• In month-to-month agreements, the landlord must provide 30 days advance written notice of a rent increase if the increase is 10 percent or less. An increase of more than 10 percent requires a 60 day notice.
How often do you raise rents? If you can’t remember the last time, maybe you should start thinking about it. Obviously, rent increases can become a point of contention with both landlords and tenants. A tenant, of course, would like the rate to stay the same in perpetuity. Landlords counter with the argument that, due to inflation, the cost of everything else is rising. Why should housing be immune?
Which begs the question: When is the best time to raise rents? Experienced landlords have different opinions on the matter. Some work in smaller annual increases while others wait until a tenant leaves, then remodel the unit and rent it out at a higher price than before.
How much should rent be raised? Once again, there is no hard and fast rule to follow. One popular choice is to index the raise to the rate of inflation. At least then you have a number to point to that has a basis in reality. Of course you could pull a number completely out of your hat if you want. That’s the beauty of being the boss.
Jason Hartman points out that there’s no time like the present to begin planning your next rent increase. With fewer first-time home buyers than normal, thanks to the continuing fallout from the foreclosure crisis, the pool of renters is large and competition for available units keen. (Top image: Flickr | yeshe)
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The Solomon Success Team
