Higher Rent.

[Ray Agosto]

Hello BiggerPockets , I'm a wholesaler from central Jersey , now I still rent sadly but the landlord said "I will be raising rent since property taxes are going up" I'm supoosse to renew the lease end of this month. Can she raise rent that fast ? And if there anything I can do to look it up to see if she telling the truth because this landlord has lied a lot . I've been telling her to fix a outlet for about 6 months now and I'm not fixing it because I'm the tenet and I have a son. What can I do ? Also how would I find out if she lied and stuff ? 

[David DuCille]

Yes, if your lease is ending she can raise the rent on the renewal lease just as you have the right to take a hike.  you can check your local property appraiser/tàx collector website usually to see what taxes are and in a rapidly appreciating market, yes, taxes are going up so it could be legit.  even if they don't go up, it's her house, she has the right to do as she sees fit and you have the right not to renew.  as for repairs, put your rent in escrow and don't pay her until she fixes the issue.