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QUESTION: I wrote to the landlord asking to renew our lease, as the term was up in eight weeks. Instead he handed me a 30-day notice of termination of the lease and said “whatever happens, the rent will be going up 20 percent.”
I was completely shocked as we have never had any problems with him or anyone else in the building, which he owns.
This has come at the worst possible time for my husband and me. Is this how landlords act to get increased rents: “Leave or pay what I want”?
What can we do to prevent him from forcing us out like this? – Cleaner, via Flat Chat Forum.
ANSWER: Sadly, there isn’t much you can do. If your lease is about to run out and your landlord intends not to renew it (at least, not under its current terms)then he must must give you 30 days notice, according to this Tenants Union fact sheet and this Fair Trading web page.
And, yes, this is how many landlords increase rents although 20 percent seems a bit excessive. However, you can still negotiate and remind him that loss of rent, plus fees and finding another tenant should be factored in.
But try to stay on good terms; a positive reference might at least help you find another home.
You can read the whole story and Flatchatters’ responses HERE on the Flat Chat Forum.
A version of this article has also appeared on the Sydney Morning Herald’s online pages and in the print edition of Domain.
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