Landlord Ethics: Okay to Raise Someone's Rent by Nearly 400% ???

[Anne Chiramberro]

The rental market in San Francisco is a little ridiculous right now. It seems like every week the media is reporting on evictions, tenant/landlord disputes, and competition for housing. 

Last week a woman posted on Facebook a letter her landlord sent her, stating her rent was being raised from $2,145 a month to $8,900 and that her security deposit would now be $12,500 A MONTH. All of this to force her to move rather than go through an eviction process. And as of right now, it seems like all of this is legal because of San Francisco's inconsistent rent control ordinance.

You can read the article here: http://blog.sfgate.com/ontheblock/2015/03/16/san-f...

As a human being who can empathize with others, I balk at this way of doing business. As someone who might rent out her primary residence (SF condo) in the future, I can see why the landlord went this route. I worry I might have to do the same if I ever want to regain control of my condo after renting it out for a period of time.

What do you guys think about this? Would you or have you ever raised your rent an exorbitant amount to force a tenant to move? Is this move unfair landlording or just a sign of bad municipal housing policies?