Help!! Rental Issue
Hello Agon Uncle,
I met an issue with my lease contract of an big apartment. my contract states only 5 person allowed to stay(there are 5 rooms in total), however, I failed to control no. occupier, it now 8 occupiers, extra 3 perons are boyfriend/girlfriend of the tenants states in contracts.
Therefore, the landlord ask for 30% increase of rental. which is above the fair market price. are their claim reasonable? I only accept to increase $200. If we can not reach agreement, what action they can take againsit me, can they forfeit my deposit?
In addition, there is term states that landlord or agent can only enter the apartment with pr-enotice to me, however, they visited the apartment without any notice, and tried to open the room door without permission of tenant, even someone inside the room. For this case, what right I can claim?
I am still negotiating with them to settle this peacefully, but worry about if we can not reach agreement. appreciate your comments and suggestion on this matter. Thanks.
戴安娇
Reply from Agony Uncle
Well persons to stay usually mean occupiers. If 8 persons are staying on a premises which is rented out to 5 persons you appear to be in breach of your lease. He could either terminate your contract or renegotiate the term. He had chosen the latter. I cannot on the quantum of increase as I do not know in which neighbourhood are you residing. If you cannot he could terminate your lease. He could not legal forfeit a lease but it is the usual practice to defray his losses.