This site is closed to new comments and posts.

Notice: This site uses cookies to function.
If you are not comfortable with cookies then please don't browse this website.

When to tell a landlord you're moving out — Brooklynian

When to tell a landlord you're moving out

sennheiserz
sennheiserz
edited November -1 in Park Slope

Subject: When to tell a landlord you're moving out

Hey all,

So I've been living in the slope for the past two years, and after a 20% rate hike by my landlord almost a year ago, I've decided to head for cheaper pastures. However I'm having questions about when/if I need to tell my landlord. Last time the lease was up, I was paying the same rent for 5 months before I had to sign a new (and more expensive lease).

I'm worried that if I find a place a month after the lease ends, he's going to try and keep my security deposit because I didn't give notice or something, even though I'm not legally living there. The other option is to let him know now (lease term ends April 30) and be out of there on that date.

Sub question: Is it ethical to say "Hey, I've liked living here but unless I get a 10% rent cut, as rents in the area are down, I'm moving"?

Thanks!

-DP

Comments

  • ndrew31
    ndrew31
    Unless your LL is a total dick, I'd give them as much advance notice as possible. If you like living there and would stay if the rent was cheaper, I'd tell him that too.

    It could go either way - they could be happy to have you out so they can jack up the rent some more for the next tenant or it could be that they like having you there and will work with you on the rent because you are a stable tenant.

    Either way, once you have the discussion, I'd follow up in writing with the details (especially if it ends up that you are moving out)
  • vidro3
    vidro3
    Yes you can ask for a cut in the rent. people do it all the time.

    I'm not sure what you mean when you say that you are not legally living there.

    I think minimum 30 days notice is required when you are moving out but maybe it's 60 my brain is fried this morning.

    and yes, you should him.
  • MOD
    MOD
    Definitely give notice, at least 30 days, if not more to keep him as a good reference. Also ask about the rent, he might cut you a deal in order to keep you. It costs money to re-rent an apartment. And it takes time. It would behoove him to keep you.
  • opossumqueen
    opossumqueen
    1. Security deposit can only be kept (legally) for damages. If the LL wants more money for rent and you don't pay, they are supposed to take you to court to get it. If you don't give proper notice, they can get the money.

    2. Notice. It is NOT 30 days before you want to leave. Say your rent is due on the 1st of the month, you need to give notice before the 1st that the following coming rent day is the last you will be paying and you will be out by the following rent date. Hope that makes sense.

    3. Once your lease ends, you become a month to month tenant if you do NOT sign a new lease. I think this can go on indefinitely if the LL is okay with it, but if not, I think you have 6 months to get out (it may be 3) or until they take you to court to kick you out. What I've done is told the LL we were going month to month for a couple of months when the lease ends but intended to move with proper notice (which may mean you have to pay rent at two places for some time period depending on the new lease).

    Read your lease.
  • sennheiserz
    sennheiserz
    Great, thanks guys!
  • hitokiri
    hitokiri
    20% hike?

    Thats kind of crazy. I guess its legal, but wow!
  • vidro3
    vidro3
    hitokiri wrote: 20% hike?

    Thats kind of crazy. I guess its legal, but wow!
    What kind of increases do you usually see?

    My landlord has added 10% 4 out of 6 years. But the rent was low way back when and it's a 3br, so split 3 ways the increases are very small.
  • elrauch
    elrauch
    my landlord asked for a 2% increase after the first year. He told me he wasn't going to increase it at all, but had a higher tax bill or something...I was fine with that.

    My former landlord (aka Asshat) would try to get 30 or 40% at a time. Oh, and without discussion...just by shoving a lease in my face. While his mother was alive he never got away with it, but as soon as she was gone I could see more dollar signs in his eyes.
  • anastasia beaverhausen
    anastasia beaverhausen
    I haven't had an increase yet. Which is why my landlord is chomping at the bit to finally renovate my bathroom that he's been promising to do for the last two years. He knows I'll throw a fit if he tries to raise it with the substandard one that's there (the cold water is on the left, hot on the right - the tub, sink and kitchen sink), tiles are popping up, the enclosure is cracked so it HAS to be molding back there.

    BUT - on topic, I always assumed that you should give at least one rental month. If you pay rent on 1/1, you should be moved by 2/1.
  • g2bdon
    g2bdon
    You are obviously in a ""free market" apartment, i.e., not rent controlled or rent stabilized as indicated by the 20% hike. (Check to make sure: stranger things have happened.) If yes to free market and without a lease, you are a month to month tenant. BOTH parties in a month to month arrangement (landlord and tenant)have a 30 day notice obligation to terminate the tenancy. The reality is that if the LL wants you out and you don't go, he/she will have to go to LL/Tenant court to evict you. If you haven't been paying rent for any period, they can proceed against you civilly for rent recoupment AND evict you. Opossum Queen is correct in paragraph 2 about the 30 day rule.
  • vidro3
    vidro3
    Flexichick wrote: my landlord asked for a 2% increase after the first year. He told me he wasn't going to increase it at all, but had a higher tax bill or something...I was fine with that.

    My former landlord (aka Asshat) would try to get 30 or 40% at a time. Oh, and without discussion...just by shoving a lease in my face. While his mother was alive he never got away with it, but as soon as she was gone I could see more dollar signs in his eyes.
    2%? what was that, like $40per month at most?
Sign In or Register to comment.

Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

Sign In

Categories